The Hard Tackle lists three players Newcastle United should pursue after losing the battle to sign Benjamin Sesko, with Manchester United on the cusp of securing his services.
The Benjamin Sesko transfer saga has finally reached its dramatic conclusion, leading to more disappointment for Newcastle United fans in an increasingly frustrating summer transfer window. After weeks of speculation linking the promising striker with a move to St. James’ Park, reports have now confirmed that he is on the verge of completing a transfer to Manchester United.
The Slovenian forward, one of Europe’s most promising young strikers, has rejected Newcastle United in favour of joining the Red Devils, dealing a significant blow to the Magpies’ summer ambitions. This latest snub is just the tip of the iceberg for Newcastle United’s frustrating summer transfer window.
From the opening days of the window, the Magpies have found themselves repeatedly rebuffed in their bid to complete top-tier signings. Despite the club’s ambitious project and new ownership backing, several high-profile targets have chosen to look elsewhere, often leaving them bamboozled at the negotiating table without much success.
Such repeated setbacks have cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a statement summer for Eddie Howe and the club. Star names and rising talents alike have slipped through their fingers, making it particularly painful for fans, who have been watching rivals secure major reinforcements. All this while, Newcastle United’s wishlist continues to thin out.
Adding to the supporters’ frustration are fresh rumours of players pulling out of advanced talks at the eleventh hour, with Sesko the latest to snub them. The pattern has created a sense of bewilderment and urgency around St. James’ Park, dealing a blow to hopes of delivering marquee arrivals and building on last season’s progress.
While several weeks are still left in the window, the pressure is mounting for a breakthrough. With Alexander Isak insistent on joining Liverpool this summer and slated not to participate in the upcoming friendlies, Newcastle United cannot hit pause to lick their wounds, no matter how much it hurts to face rejection after rejection.
But hope is not entirely lost for the Tyneside outfit. While Sesko’s rejection may sting, the market is still filled with intriguing alternatives who could fill the void at St. James’ Park. Here are three potential candidates Newcastle United should consider as they look to salvage their summer and reinforce the squad before deadline day.
Ollie Watkins
Our list begins with the ideal option to replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle United and be an alternative to Benjamin Sesko. This player has extensive Premier League experience and has been one of the best strikers in the division for half a decade. We are talking about Ollie Watkins.
The English international should fit Eddie Howe’s system at Newcastle United like a glove, considering his proven Premier League pedigree, having scored and assisted goals for fun in the last half a decade. Furthermore, his extensive experience in the top flight should reduce the risk that often comes with new signings from other leagues.
Additionally, Watkins can reprise any role in the final third, even though he will primarily play as a striker. This mobility and versatility make him an appealing option for Newcastle United, as he can make smart off-the-ball runs, hold up play efficiently, and fit several tactical setups.
Meanwhile, for a team renowned for best exploiting the typical physicality of the Premier League, the Englishman’s strength and aerial prowess should come in handy. While recent reports have linked Watkins with Liverpool and Manchester United, neither club should compete with Newcastle United. While the Reds are focusing on Alexander Isak, the Red Devils have agreed to sign Benjamin Sesko.
Goncalo Ramos
Our next candidate is another player who has been the subject of interest of Manchester United and Liverpool. However, as iterated earlier, neither Premier League club should pursue him in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. We are talking about Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos.
Regular starts have eluded the Portuguese international since he moved to PSG from SL Benfica. However, that has not affected the young striker’s productivity, as he proved by amassing 19 goals and six assists in only 1,811 minutes of game time in the 2024/25 season. Additionally, he has proven his credentials in international football, scoring nine times in 16 outings for Portugal.
While the 24-year-old tends to have some forgettable moments, his finishing prowess should help Newcastle United forget about Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko in a jiffy. Meanwhile, Ramos can seamlessly drop deep to link up with the midfielders, and his movement is elite, thus making him tactically astute.
Most importantly, Newcastle United may sign a striker who will be hungry to prove himself and his naysayers wrong after struggling for regular starts in the 2024/25 season. However, a high price tag from PSG may make Ramos a risky proposition for the Tyneside outfit.
Samu Aghehowa
Before we get to our final suggestion, we must discuss a few honourable mentions. Yoane Wissa is a long-term target for Newcastle United, but he is not good enough to fill Alexander Isak’s void at St. James’ Park. Nicolas Jackson was a viable option and as reasonable a candidate as our third pick. However, we have gone ahead with Samu Aghehowa as a potential alternative to Benjamin Sesko for Newcastle United.
The last 12 months have been memorable for the Spaniard, as he won the gold medal with Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics before enjoying a productive debut season with FC Porto. The young striker scored 27 goals across all competitions for the Portuguese giants last term, which helped his ever-growing stock soar further.
Meanwhile, Samu’s 6’4″ frame and physically imposing style make him suitable for the Premier League, and he may not take long to settle down at St. James’ Park. However, despite his body structure, the 21-year-old is nimble and mobile while being renowned for his tireless pressing in the final third.
Most importantly, the Spanish striker’s age profile means he can be a long-term solution for Newcastle United, particularly if the Magpies can become a dynasty in the upcoming seasons. However, FC Porto’s asking price may be a stumbling block, with recent reports suggesting the valuation is an issue.