Report: Newcastle’s Sesko plan gains momentum | OneFootball

Interest grows in Leipzig forward as Newcastle contingency planning continues

Newcastle United have identified RB Leipzig striker Sesko as a potential signing should Alexander Isak depart during the current transfer window. The Magpies have tracked the Slovenian international since last summer, and their long-standing interest has been reinforced by growing uncertainty around Isak’s position at the club.

Isak has not formally requested to leave, but has informed Newcastle of his desire to explore options, following strong interest from other top-tier clubs – notably Liverpool. While a minor thigh issue was cited for his absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore, it is understood that recent transfer speculation has played a significant role in the club’s decision to leave him behind.

Newcastle are currently not looking to sell the Sweden international, who has three years remaining on his contract. Internally, the player is valued at around £150 million, and the club’s position remains that he is not for sale.

Leipzig calm over Sesko interest as price tag set high

RB Leipzig are under no pressure to sell Sesko. The Bundesliga side expect any serious bid to exceed €80m (£69.7m) and remain relaxed about the striker’s future. According to sources in Germany, the club are prepared to keep one of their key attacking players if valuation thresholds are not met.

Newcastle’s interest is serious but has not progressed to a formal bid. A previous proposal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa – considered a secondary target – was rejected. It’s understood that while Wissa was never the primary option, Newcastle were hopeful of securing his services for around £35 million. Talks with Brentford continue, but the west London club have increased their valuation after selling Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £71 million.

Isak’s future unresolved as club await next steps

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has publicly stated he remains confident that Isak will remain at the club, despite the forward’s withdrawal from the squad before their 4-0 defeat to Celtic in Glasgow. Howe explained the move as a preventative measure, aiming to shield the player from distractions amid mounting speculation.

Sources close to the situation believe Isak’s head has been turned. There have been informal approaches from Liverpool, and although Chelsea are not currently pursuing the player, interest from Europe remains strong.

With contract discussions at a standstill, Newcastle are faced with a dilemma: offer improved terms to match what Isak could earn elsewhere, or risk further destabilisation ahead of a crucial campaign in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Transfer strategy under strain amid staffing shortages

Newcastle entered the window looking to strengthen four key positions: goalkeeper, central defender, winger and striker. They have secured Anthony Elanga and remain active in the market, but a series of setbacks – including failed attempts for Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Dean Huijsen – have highlighted the challenges currently facing their recruitment team.

The absence of a sporting director and the ongoing search for a new CEO have left much of the club’s transfer activity in the hands of Eddie Howe and his inner circle. The workload has increased significantly, and sources close to the club describe the atmosphere as tense but determined.

Newcastle are still pursuing Wissa, though it remains unclear if he is viewed as a genuine starter or a support option should Isak stay. If the Swedish forward does depart, it is understood that Sesko would immediately move to the top of Newcastle’s shortlist – though prising him from Leipzig will require a substantial financial commitment.