No Go for Šeško: Who Do Newcastle Turn to Next?

As ever, the summer transfer window has delivered a constant stream of speculation and confirmed deals. Focusing on the top end of the Premier League, most fans will be reasonably happy with the business so far. Arsenal finally have their striker in Victor Gyökeres, Chelsea continues to follow a revolving-door approach to land on a winning line-up, while Liverpool have smashed the British transfer record once and may do so again.

Man Utd, meanwhile, finally look to be getting their transfer strategy right following over a decade of failed experiments. If, as expected, Benjamin Šeško signs, a front three of Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo should give the Old Trafford faithful plenty to cheer.

Not So Rosy in the North East

So far, so positive for the big clubs. And then we come to the case of Newcastle United. Hot on the heels of Champions League qualification, a first trophy in 70 years, and with money to spend, this was supposed to be the summer the Magpies took the next step towards the big time. Instead, Geordie fans have witnessed a shambles. It isn’t that Newcastle haven’t tried to improve their squad; it’s just that nobody wants to come.

João Pedro and Liam Delap preferred Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike only had eyes for Liverpool. No great surprise there, with both clubs enjoying an excellent 2024/25 campaign. However, it must be galling to the Newcastle fans that Mbeumo, Cunha, and now Šeško have all snubbed St. James’s Park in favour of Old Trafford. In Šeško’s case, even Champions League football and a higher offer to his club RB Leipzig weren’t enough to trump the history of Manchester United, who we should remember finished 15th in the Premier League last season.

For the Black and Whites, breaking into the established elite must seem like an increasingly impossible task, and it might still get worse.

Isak Wants Out

Following the departure of Callum Wilson, Newcastle were already in the market for a backup striker, with Yoane Wissa heavily linked with a move. However, it now seems increasingly likely that the club will also need to replace their prized asset: Alexander Isak. Arriving as a player packed with promise from Real Sociedad in 2022, the Swedish international has developed to become one of the most coveted strikers in the global game.

However, any hopes Newcastle had of building a team around their superstar have been shattered by Isak’s wantaway antics over the summer. Jetting off to Spain alone rather than joining the squad’s pre-season tour, Isak has trained alone since belatedly returning to the setup. Isak wants Liverpool. Liverpool want Isak. Such situations usually only end one way.

All of which will leave Newcastle attempting to replace a player who struck 27 goals in 42 games last season. Šeško was supposed to be that player but barring a late collapse in negotiations between RB Leipzig and Manchester United, the Magpies must look elsewhere.

Four Names for the Shortlist

Reliable 20+ goal strikers are a much sought-after commodity in football. Acquiring such a player always comes at a premium, and there really aren’t that many out there. If the double whammy of Isak departing and Šeško joining Manchester United materialises, the following four frontmen are thought to be among Newcastle’s next most likely targets.

Nicolas Jackson

24-year-old Senegal international who joined Chelsea for £32m in 2023 but finds himself down the pecking order following the arrivals of Pedro and Delap. Fast, fluid, and intelligent with his runs, Jackson is a major threat on the break. He needs to work on his finishing, but 24 goals in 65 league appearances represent a solid return. Newcastle could do worse, but has Jackson really done enough to warrant a rumoured asking price of £80 million?

Ollie Watkins

With 15, 19, and 16 goals in the last three Premier League seasons, Villa’s Watkins is established among the league’s most reliable goal scorers. Hard working, excellent in the press, and a solid link-up man, he’s a natural fit for Howe’s all-action system. Easily the safest option on this list, but he will turn 30 by the end of 2025, which goes against Newcastle’s usual transfer philosophy.

Gonçalo Ramos

Arguably the most natural finisher among Newcastle’s four reported targets, Ramos would be a first choice for most clubs in Europe but finds himself fighting for minutes at PSG. He lacks experience in the Premier League, but at 24, he still has plenty of upside. Most often playing on the shoulder of the last defender, he would need to adjust his game to Newcastle’s press-heavy system.

Nick Woltemade

At a towering 6’6”, 23-year-old Woltemade has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Germany whilst at VfB Stuttgart. He scored 17 times in 33 appearances for ninth-placed Stuttgart in 2024/25 and recently made his full international debut. A little rough around the edges, but with good feet for a big man, he is just the sort of player Eddie Howe could take to the next level.

Isak leaving would be a blow to any side in the Premier League. However, if Newcastle add one of the above four players, bring in Yoane Wissa as a backup, and strengthen in defence and midfield, there’s no reason they can’t enjoy another productive campaign.