Newcastle United are long-term admirers of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Newcastle have enjoyed a fantastic spell in front of goal in recent weeks. Alexander Isak is in top form having scored in eight consecutive Premier League games before Newcastle’s loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
This season, Eddie Howe’s side has scored an average of 1.72 goals per game. But one thing could completely derail their momentum.
Isak is by far Newcastle’s top scorer. The Swede has scored 15 goals this season – Anthony Gordon sits in second place with six goals. Should anything happen to Isak then Newcastle could be in deep trouble.
There are limited options to replace the 25-year-old at the moment. Callum Wilson has been missing since December with a hamstring problem and William Osula does not look ready for Premier League starts despite scoring his first goal in Newcastle’s win against Bromley earlier in January.
Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season, so Newcastle need to sign a striker in January or the summer.
Sesko has been tipped to move to Newcastle in recent years and it is still the case in January. However, recent words from RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose suggest that it will be tough for Newcastle to land him in January.
Marco Rose rules out Benjamin Sesko sale
Sesko has been on top form this season, scoring 11 goals in 24 games in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Newcastle’s interest in Sesko goes back to 2022 before they signed Isak. A deal looked to be close as Sesko’s agent came to Newcastle during that transfer window. The move never materialised and Sesko is now thriving in Germany.
Following Leipzig’s win against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday – which Sesko scored in, head coach Marco Rose was asked by Sky in Germany to clarify that Sesko was not allowed to leave the club in January.
Rose said: “yes, that’s still the case.”
Sesko has attracted interest from Arsenal who see the 21-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Isak who Paul Mitchell has priced at £150m – a potential British record transfer fee.
The Magpies are not keen on entertaining the prospect of Isak leaving, however. The Swede is expected to sign a lucrative Newcastle contract at the end of the season.
Sesko is too good to be second choice at Newcastle
Although Newcastle have wanted to sign Sesko for multiple years, it does not look like it would be a suitable move for him.
It is difficult to see how Sesko would fit into Howe’s plans given how well Isak has performed this season. Sesko is an out-and-out centre-forward – Isak can play as a winger, but his best performances have come as the number nine.
- READ MORE – Alan Shearer offers Newcastle United hope in signing ‘top class’ star after missing out in 2022
Howe would have a dilemma over who to play where and how often to make sure he was getting the best out of them. There is no doubt that Sesko will want to play consistent first-team football at whatever club he goes to, he certainly can do that at both Newcastle and Arsenal.
However, Sesko may be better suited to the Gunners given their need for a new striker.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
