‘Newcastle handed Benjamin Sesko warning as Alexander Isak saga takes fresh twist’
Benjamin Sesko may not be the answer to solve Newcastle United’s striker issues as they have been warned against his potential arrival.
Newcastle are currently competing with Manchester United for the signing of 22-year-old Sesko from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
The Toon desperately require a striker after Callum Wilson left following the expiry of his contract and Alexander Isak wants to leave the club and is not taking part in pre-season.
Liverpool have submitted a bid for Isak which Newcastle have rejected, but funds from the sale would help boost their prospects of signing a quality replacement.
Sesko ‘not in the same league as Isak‘
Sesko was also a target for Arsenal earlier in the window, before the Gunners decided to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres instead.
However, journalist Henry Winter is not entirely convinced that Sesko would be able to fill the void left by Isak at Newcastle.
Speaking to BBC Sport [August 4], Winter said: “I understand the interest in him…he’s not in Isak’s league.
“He can blow hot and cold so there’s not so much ‘buy or beware’ but I do think the price is slightly inflated.”
Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season and fired them to League Cup glory with victory over Liverpool at Wembley.
Meanwhile, Sesko could not match that tally in Germany, although his young age means the Slovenian could develop into a world class striker.
| Apperances | 45 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 6 |
Forward problems needing solving
Football Insider Verdict
The departure of Isak was also going to leave a massive hole up-front for Newcastle, but with the ambitions at the club they want to sign the best striker available right now.
With their return to the Champions League this season, Newcastle need a striker capable of scoring against Europe’s elite club’s.
Sesko scored four Champions League goals in eight appearances last season for an RB Leipzig side that only earned three points from eight league stage fixtures.
In a Football Insider exclusive it has been revealed Newcastle have been speaking to Sesko over a deal as they look to complete a signing before the Premier League begins.
Right now, manager Eddie Howe only has 21-year-old William Osula to call upon as a natural striker and Newcastle face a tricky trip to Aston Villa on the opening weekend.
Anthony Gordon played up-front in the Toon’s latest pre-season friendly against Spurs, a 1-1 draw.