Forget Sesko: Newcastle United can end summer misery by signing 27-goal gem for £55m – opinion
Manchester United Leap Ahead in Pursuit of Benjamin Sesko as Newcastle Face Transfer Setbacks
Manchester United have now emerged as the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, a player long admired by Newcastle United. This latest development represents yet another frustrating twist in what has become a challenging and underwhelming summer transfer window for Eddie Howe’s side.
At the start of the transfer period, there was a real sense of optimism among Newcastle United fans. After a season many consider their best in over a century—featuring a historic Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool and a hard-earned return to the Champions League—the club appeared poised to take the next step toward becoming a sustained force in English and European football. The excitement was amplified by the fact that Newcastle had resolved their Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) concerns, in part by offloading academy prospects like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh for sizable fees.
This seemed to clear the way for a summer of ambitious spending. The club had largely remained inactive across the past three windows, choosing instead to balance the books. This time, the stage was set for the Magpies to flex their financial muscle and add much-needed depth to a squad that had, at times, run on fumes across multiple competitions. The hope was that Newcastle would apply the lessons learned from the 2022/23 season—where squad fatigue arguably cost them silverware—and bolster every area of the pitch, starting with the attacking line.
However, that optimism has quickly faded. Aside from the exciting arrival of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for a reported £55 million, Newcastle’s transfer business has been disappointingly quiet. They’ve missed out on a series of key targets including Liam Delap, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and most notably Hugo Ekitike—despite tabling a club-record £70 million bid for the Frenchman, which was ultimately rejected.
Now, the Magpies have set their sights on Benjamin Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian striker widely considered one of Europe’s top emerging forwards. Sesko’s physicality, finishing ability, and overall skillset bear a striking resemblance to Alexander Isak at the time of his arrival from Real Sociedad. Newcastle had hoped to convince Sesko to join their project, but according to Sky Sports, the player has indicated that he prefers a move to Manchester United instead—a major blow for the Tyneside outfit.
Why Newcastle’s Need for a Striker is Urgent
Newcastle United’s striking options are currently alarmingly thin. Veteran forward Callum Wilson was recently released, and speculation continues to swirl around the future of star striker Alexander Isak. Despite not joining the club’s pre-season tour due to a reported thigh injury, Isak was seen training alone at his former club Real Sociedad, adding fuel to the rumors that he is seeking a move—potentially to Liverpool, who have yet to table an official offer.
If Isak does depart, Newcastle would be left with only two strikers in their ranks: 20-year-old William Osula, who has little Premier League experience, and Sean Neave, a promising academy graduate still cutting his teeth at the senior level. That simply won’t suffice for a team aiming to compete on four fronts, including another run at the Champions League.
It’s widely accepted that Newcastle need to bring in not just one, but two quality forwards before the window closes. One potential candidate who could help fill that void is FC Porto’s rising star Samu Aghehowa.
The Case for Samu Aghehowa
Aghehowa, a towering 6ft 4in Spain international, has enjoyed a breakout season with Portuguese giants FC Porto. The 21-year-old netted an impressive 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, including 19 in the Primeira Liga and six goals in just nine Europa League matches. His consistent performances made him the league’s second-highest scorer behind Victor Gyökeres—who recently joined Arsenal.
Last summer, Aghehowa was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but negotiations fell through. Since then, he has blossomed into one of Europe’s most exciting forward prospects. Known for his explosive pace, upper-body strength, and lethal finishing, he’s more than a traditional target man. His versatility allows him to operate both as a focal point up front and as a roaming forward who exploits space between defenders.
Javier Vidales, a respected former scout for Atlético Madrid, praised Aghehowa’s unique skill set. Speaking to The Real Chelsea Fans, Vidales said: “Aghehowa doesn’t just hold up play—he plays two roles in one: a physical No.9 who drags defenders around, and a mobile attacker who finds and exploits gaps. He can adapt to the defensive structure in front of him—either bullying defenders or slipping into channels with intelligent movement.”
Perhaps most impressively, Aghehowa proved his credentials on the biggest stage by scoring twice against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals, demonstrating he can deliver against top-tier opposition.
According to Correio da Manhã, the Portuguese outlet, Porto may be open to offers in the region of £55 million for the forward—a price tag that aligns with Newcastle’s current transfer capabilities, especially if they manage to generate funds from a potential Isak sale.
Conclusion
While the disappointment of losing ground in the race for Benjamin Sesko will sting, Newcastle United must act decisively and pivot toward alternative options. Samu Aghehowa represents a compelling blend of youth, power, and pedigree that could reinvigorate Newcastle’s attack and offer a long-term solution up front.
With the clock ticking down and competition heating up, Eddie Howe and the club’s recruitment team must now show the ambition and speed that propelled them to Champions League qualification in the first place—or risk undoing all the momentum built over the past 12 months.