Jul 20, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Borussia Dortmund forward Alexander Isak (14) during an International Champions Cup soccer match at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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Newcastle Consider Benjamin Sesko Move As Alexander Isak Pushes for Exit

The Isak transfer saga comes amid a frustrating transfer window for Newcastle, who have already missed out on multiple targets.

Jul 20, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Borussia Dortmund forward Alexander Isak (14) during an International Champions Cup soccer match at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Newcastle United are facing a major dilemma this summer. The club’s star striker Alexander Isak has made it clear he wishes to explore a move away from the club. While no official transfer has been agreed, the Swedish international has reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave. As a result, the fallout has already begun to reshape the Magpies’ transfer priorities.

Isak’s omission from Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea has raised immediate questions. Though officially cited as a thigh injury, sources close to the player suggest his absence is linked to his growing unrest. Liverpool remain keen, despite their recent acquisition of Hugo Ekitike. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs have reportedly presented big-money offers.

[🟢] NEW: Alexander Isak is PUSHING to leave Newcastle this summer. Liverpool spoke several times with people close to the player.

Liverpool are ready. #LFC believe that if Newcastle will open the doors, they can really try to sign Isak.

[@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/6w4R9NHA9M
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) July 24, 2025

Newcastle still insist that Isak is not for sale and the Magpies have reiterated their desire to keep him. Manager Eddie Howe has reportedly taken a patient approach in the hope of convincing Isak to stay. However, talks over a new contract have stalled.

Newcastle Target RB Leipzig Striker Benjamin Sesko

In preparation for Isak’s potential departure, Newcastle are stepping up their efforts to identify a successor. Among the options, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko stands out. The 21-year-old Slovenia international scored 21 goals across all competitions last season for the Bundesliga side.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Sesko has a “gentleman’s agreement” in place with Leipzig that allows a select few clubs to activate a reduced release clause, reportedly between €70–80m plus €5–10m in add-ons. Newcastle are believed to be one of those clubs, having previously tracked him before his move from RB Salzburg.

🚨🇸🇮 There’s gentlemen agreement between Benjamin Šeško and RB Leipzig.

The price tag for limited clubs could be reduced to range of €70-80m plus €5-10m add-ons.

This is only valid for few clubs considered “special” by Šeško.

🎥 More: https://t.co/f5lOw6PRmI pic.twitter.com/SRKiZeeAHD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025

Newcaatle are also in talk wth Brentford over a £30 million move for Yoane Wissa. Wissa is viewed as a potential back-up for Isak or replacement for Callum Wilson, who left on a free transfer earlier this summer. However, negotiations with Brentford have so far revealed a significant valuation gap.

The Isak transfer saga comes amid a frustrating transfer window for Newcastle, who have already missed out on multiple targets, including Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and Dean Huijsen. The Magpies are inching towards a potential make-or-break decision. With Sesko ready and Isak restless, all eyes are now on Eddie Howe’s next move.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Understand Newcastle are ready to present their project to Benjamin Šeško as they want to go big!

Proposal to the player also being prepared as #NUFC see Šeško as ideal striker in case Isak leaves, as he wants to.

As revealed earlier, Newcastle are very keen on Šeško. pic.twitter.com/DtWo3mIjkl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025

Alexander Isak

Benjamin Sesko

Eddie Howe

Newcastle United

Yoane Wissa

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.