Newcastle United, who are preparing for the possible exit of Alexander Isak, are set to battle Manchester United for the potential signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer.
The Magpies have found themselves in a tight corner following the decision of star striker Alexander Isak to seek a move away from St James’ Park. The Swede has since been linked with a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Isak, who netted 23 times in the Premier League last season, was a notable absentee from Newcastle United’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, casting fresh doubt over his future at the club.
Meanwhile, Isak has three years left on his contract at Newcastle, and it has been revealed that only an offer of around £150million would be difficult to resist. As a result, should Isak leave, Sesko has been identified as the leading candidate to take his place.
By the way, fans are already getting Newcastle United tickets ahead of the new season.
Newcastle turn to Sesko as replacement for Isak
The Athletic reports that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time, but financial constraints continue to make a potential transfer difficult to pull off.
Although Newcastle have their problems, the German club have also lowered their asking fee for the striker. Earlier in this transfer window, Benjamin Šeško had been on Arsenal’s radar, with RB Leipzig initially valuing the striker between £68 million and £85 million. However, reports say that the club have significantly dropped their asking price to around £60 million.
The Magpies, who are in direct competition with Manchester United for the striker, could edge the Premier League side based on their involvement in the UEFA Champions League in the forthcoming season. On the other hand, the Red Devils are not in any European competition.
Howe speaks on Isak situation
Speaking in Singapore on Saturday, Eddie Howe refused to disclose the details of Isak’s conversations with the club but said: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes.
“He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons.
“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.
“Whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We are in a very strong position financially. We are determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We’ve got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve.
“And if the journey can continue to an upward trajectory, I think that’s what we all want. So that’s what we’re battling to try and achieve.
“I think I said against Celtic after the game, I certainly hope he stays. I said I was confident that he’d stay. I don’t see anything that’s going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it’s football, and who knows what the future may bring.”
Pushed on whether he wanted the situation resolved quickly one way or the other, Howe said: “I wouldn’t put a timescale on it. I think with these situations, it has to be right for the football club. Obviously, everything is taken into context below that, but the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has.
“Ultimately, to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it’s up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we’re trying to do, regardless of Alex’s situation.
“Of course, we want stability and we want the group to have a really good feeling. I have to say, the feeling during pre-season has been as good as any other. I don’t think we’re distracted. We’re here, we’re focused and we’re working hard.”
Meanwhile, Howe also refuted claims that the club is working on a new contract for Isak.
“As far as I am aware, I don’t think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment,” he said.
“I think that would be for a later date potentially. I think for now, with the situation as it is, and the state of the window, in the sense that it’s curving towards the end of the window very quickly from our perspective, there’s still so much that could happen. Those contract talks potentially may take place at a later date.”
Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitike
Despite being linked with Isak, Liverpool have gone ahead to complete the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m, subject to international clearance.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, following the completion of his medical and other documentation, flew out to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Eintracht Frankfurt agreed to a £79 million deal earlier this week—£69 million upfront with an additional £10 million in performance-based add-ons. The signing takes Liverpool’s total summer outlay beyond the £250 million mark. Their headline acquisition remains Florian Wirtz, who joined in a potential British record move worth £116 million, while full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong were secured for a combined £70 million.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, who had a £70m bid for Ekitike rejected this month, could also lose striker Alexander Isak.
“Hugo has developed tremendously in his one and a half years with us and has been a true asset to our team and the entire club both on and off the pitch. We are delighted that he can now take the next step – a step he has earned through his performances with us,” Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche said.
“I feel very proud,” Ekitike said to Liverpoolfc.com. Obviously it’s a big, big club. I’m just excited, I’m a bit like a kid. I’ve been dreaming of coming to play in the Premier League. And to play for Liverpool is a big, big good feeling for me. I just can’t wait to start to play games and to win trophies.
Ekitike played a key role in Frankfurt’s impressive Bundesliga campaign last season, netting 15 goals and contributing eight assists across 31 starts as the club secured a third-place finish.
