The Benjamin Sesko saga has come to a bitter end for Newcastle United, with the striker set to join Manchester United.
Indeed, Newcastle made a club-record bid for Sesko as they looked to make the RB Leipzig forward their statement signing of the summer.
His arrival may have paved the way for Alexander Isak to leave too, with Newcastle needing to sign a replacement before they even consider cashing in on the wantaway Sweden international.
Still, Newcastle’s dreadful summer in the transfer market has continued with Sesko. Manchester United, frustratingly, have won the race.
A further irritation for Toon supporters is the idea that they may have been strung along.
Benjamin Sesko in action during a Bundesliga game between RB Leipzig and Stuttgart.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko may have strung Newcastle United along
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie on social media platform X, Sesko is flying to Manchester for a medical.
Downie adds that there is a feeling that Newcastle may have been strung along in negotiations.
Indeed, Newcastle always thought Sesko would join Manchester United and it has proven to be the case.
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Whatever happened during those talks, the fact is that Newcastle are still scrambling for signings.
They wanted to sign a striker even before the Isak saga unfolded, with Callum Wilson’s departure meaning the Newcastle United squad is even weaker than it was last season.
Sesko would have been a statement addition but, like with so many other players this summer, Newcastle have lost out to another club.
It will be fascinating to see where the club go next. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, while Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa and Samu Aghehowa are also considered targets.
The signing of a new striker is of the utmost importance this summer and Newcastle cannot afford to be taken for a ride again.