Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle line up Sesko transfer as Isak replacement

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 24 Jul 2025 17:10 BST
  • 4 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko
© IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has revealed an intriguing development in Benjamin Sesko’s future that has seen Newcastle renew their interest in the RB Leipzig striker as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak.

Article continues under the video

Isak told Newcastle that he wishes to leave the club and explore moves elsewhere after receiving interest from Liverpool, which has resulted in the 25-year-old being left out of the Magpies’ squad for their upcoming tour of Asia.

Compared
Player image Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig logo

RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig

VS

Player image Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd. logo

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Newcastle Utd.

€69.6M

ETV

€116.1M

€62.7M - €76.6M ETV Range €104.5M - €127.7M
22 years old (31 May, 2003) Age 25 years old (21 Sep, 1999)
Slovenia Slovenia
Nationality
Sweden Sweden

While Newcastle continue to maintain their stance that Isak is not for sale at any price, Eddie Howe’s side are understood to have already started exploring moves for alternative strikers in the market, with David Ornstein also confirming their interest in Sesko.

Romano, too, asserted Newcastle's attention to Sesko after being informed on the Slovenian’s price tag, which could be reduced after being deemed too high by interested teams so far this summer.

Romano stated that there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between Leipzig and Sesko where the 22-year-old’s asking price could be dropped to a range of €70-80 million, with €5-10m in add-ons, for ‘limited clubs’ deemed ‘special’ by the player.

Newcastle looking for striker signing regardless of Isak future

Newcastle have been keen to sign a new forward this summer irrespective of Isak’s future, having already pursued a deal for Hugo Ekitike before the Frenchman joined Liverpool this week.

Talks with Brentford over the signing of Yoane Wissa have continued this week after Newcastle’s initial bid of £25m (€28.7m) was rejected, with the 28-year-old training on his own and pushing for the move.

Newcastle have also made an approach for Yoane Wissa (right.)
© IMAGO - Newcastle have also made an approach for Yoane Wissa (right.)

A deal for Wissa is likely to be completed, indicating that interest in Sesko could be dependent on Isak’s future, with Liverpool set to return with an offer that would see Arne Slot’s side break the British transfer record for the second time this summer.

Al-Hilal are also believed to be keen on a move, although Isak is understood to be uninterested in a move to Saudi Arabia, while Romano denied reports of Chelsea’s pursuit of the Swedish international despite a previous interest.

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