Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on the events around RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a potential successor to Alexander Isak should the Swedish striker opt to depart this summer.
Having three years left on his contract, Isak has shown an interest in investigating other possibilities this transfer window. Although he has not formally requested a transfer, talks of a contract extension at St. James’ Park have so far fallen through. The club values the player at roughly £150 million and repeatedly states he is not for sale; hence it maintains a hard bargaining position.
Newcastle are nevertheless getting ready for any conceivable result. Already taking action, the club seeks to learn the demands for a possible transfer of Benjamin Sesko, who has drawn interest from other elite teams including Arsenal. Arsenal have turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon, therefore slightly more open door for Newcastle.
Earlier this week, Sesko’s representatives allegedly turned down a offer from a Saudi Pro League club, indicating that the player is still prioritizing European football. Newcastle first expressed interest last summer in the 21-year-old Slovenian striker.
Newcastle had a proposal denied for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa in yet another event, but sources indicate Wissa was solely being thought of as a substitute to Isak instead of as a direct replacement.
The drama involving Isak grew lately when manager Eddie Howe sent the forward home before the 40 preseason defeat to Celtic. Officially, Isak was omitted from the travelling squad because of a small thigh problem, but insiders cite rising transfer speculation, including a recent query from Liverpool, as playing a major role in the decision.
Longtime admirers of Isak, Liverpool apparently contacted Newcastle casually last week prior to concluding a deal for Hugo Ekitike. Notwithstanding that purchase, the Merseyside club is thought to remain keen on the Swedish international.
Chelsea have meanwhile withdrawn themselves from the fight for Isak, confident in their present offensive lineup going into the new season across both domestic and European events.
All attention stays on Isak’s next move and if Newcastle will have to initiate their fallback strategy including the very promising Benjamin Sesko as the transfer window opens.
