Data identifies Alexander Isak’s perfect replacement at Newcastle
Newcastle United have endured a desperately disappointing transfer window so far, and there’s still so much work to do.
The Magpies missed out on long-time targets Hugo Ekitike and James Trafford to Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.
Eddie Howe has managed to get Aaron Ramsdale in the door on loan to fill his goalkeeper slot, while winger Anthony Elanga also joined from Nottingham Forest.
However, the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of his contract left Newcastle still needing one striker, with that very likely to become two as Liverpool relentlessly chase star man Alexander Isak.
Newcastle eyeing up Sesko alternative
Isak has been absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and William Osula instead filling in at the No.9 position.
But defeats to Celtic, Arsenal and the K-League All Stars, and a draw with Tottenham, have left it in no doubt that Howe needs a striker — with just three goals scored across those four friendlies.
| Newcastle stats | Alexander Isak |
| Appearances | 109 |
| Goals | 62 |
| Assists | 11 |
Benjamin Sesko has been the name most heavily linked with a St. James’ Park switch, but now, Newcastle again face the very real possibility of missing out on the Slovenia international as Manchester United make their move.
Now, another striker is in the frame, with Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reporting [August 3] that the Magpies have placed PSG’s Goncalo Ramos on their list of alternative targets if they miss out on Sesko.
Ramos has notched 33 goals and eight assists in 86 appearances over the past two seasons for PSG, winning six domestic trophies and a Champions League title along the way.
That record is made all the more impressive given the striker — who has nine goals in 16 caps for Portugal — has started just 33 of his 86 outings for the Parisians.
Is there a case for Newcastle abandoning their Sesko chase and going all in on Ramos?
Benjamin Sesko vs Goncalo Ramos
Per FotMob data, Ramos outperformed Sesko in almost every attacking metric on a per 90 basis in league play last season, including shots on target, goals and assists.
Yes, Ramos does play in a more dominant side, but Sesko is the main man for Leipzig, whereas the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are the protagonists for PSG.
Eddie Howe will expect his forwards to press next season, and while Sesko does boast some impressive defensive numbers, it’s Ramos who wins again in the key metrics of successful tackles and possession won in the final third — 0.11-0.51 and 0.38-0.68, respectively.
In less than half the league minutes last season, Ramos finished just three goals behind Sesko in league play, with only two assists fewer.
There are sure to be key reasons why Howe would prefer Sesko over Ramos. However, the Leipzig man is two years younger and with another club in the frame, is sure to cost much more.
Ramos could be a much more budget-friendly option for the Magpies, who still need to spend big on other areas of the pitch before this window is out, as they prepare to return to the Champions League.