Samu Aghehowa, the latest of Newcastle United’s striking targets, could go on to be better than former priority Benjamin Sesko if the club are able to sign him from Porto.
Expectations were high amongst Newcastle United fans coming into the 2025/26 season. The club had secured their place in the Champions League for the second time in three years at the end of the campaign, weeks after winning their first English trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup.
With European football to prepare for once more, Newcastle have been active in the transfer market. Not including Jacob Ramsey, who is set to join Newcastle from Aston Villa, the Magpies have made three additions to their first-team. Aaron Ramsdale has signed on loan to offer Nick Pope competition, while winger Anthony Elanga and defender Malick Thiaw have also joined the club.
Despite this, it has been far from an ideal summer for Eddie Howe’s side, who have missed out on a number of primary transfer targets. The club have struggled, particularly, to recruit a striker, missing out on Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko to name just a few of the players that they wanted.
To make matters worse, star striker Alexander Isak has demanded to leave the club, with Liverpool reportedly his preferred destination. To replace Isak is almost impossible, but it is crucial that Newcastle, who are hoping to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, recruit at least two strikers. Given Isak’s absence, the young Will Osula was the only natural number nine in Newcastle’s team for their opening day draw at Aston Villa.
Having missed out on a number of striking options already, there is one that Newcastle could not only sign, but one who could turn out to be better than some of the names the club were previously linked with.
Aghehowa Could Be Better Than Sesko
Samu Omorodian playing for Porto
Earlier in August, GIVEMESPORT exclusively revealed that Newcastle had made Samu Aghehowa a target this summer. The striker joined Atletico Madrid in 2023, but spent what would be his only season with the club away on loan. Last summer, Aghehowa moved to Porto and enjoyed a breakout season in Portugal.
Still just 21 years old, Aghehowa is a physically imposing striker with a keen eye for goal, one who has already debuted for the Spanish international team no less. Though a deal would be “anything but straightforward” and cost the Magpies £80 million, Aghehowa would be a signing worth the work, especially in light of Newcastle’s striker pursuits this summer.
Newcastle are reportedly set to make a bid for the Spaniard and while Aghehowa may not have been one of their primary striking targets, Newcastle may have struck gold when the forward is compared to some other names linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Samu Aghehowa vs. Benjamin Sesko
Appearances
Goals
Expected Goals
Goals per Game
Big Chances Missed
Though there is, of course, a difference between the top flight in Germany and Portugal, it is evident that Aghehowa enjoyed a more productive season than Sesko in terms of output. Given his return across the 2024/25 campaign, it is no surprise that Aghehowa has been called a “prolific” striker.
Should Newcastle manage to sign Aghehowa, it should be viewed as a statement signing by the wider Premier League.
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(All stats are from Sofascore and are correct as of 16/08/2025)