JUST IN: Newcastle make new Benjamin Sesko request as they made their final decision known
Eddie Howe’s Transfer Hopes at Risk as Sesko Saga Nears Deadline
When Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe called for a streamlined, efficient summer transfer window, what he likely envisioned was the swift arrival of top targets to bolster his squad well ahead of the new Premier League season. However, the current state of affairs is shaping up to be anything but that. With just under two weeks to go before the Magpies kick off their 2025/26 campaign, Newcastle have brought in only two high-profile signings—far from the level of reinforcements Howe had hoped for.
The club now finds itself in a race against time, especially in the hunt for a marquee striker, and all eyes are firmly on one man: Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko the Priority – But Time is Running Out
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe this window. At just 22, the Slovenian international has demonstrated enough promise to be viewed as a long-term solution up front for any top club. Newcastle, aware of their need for firepower and future planning, have identified him as a priority target.
Yet, despite lengthy negotiations, Newcastle are still waiting for a definitive answer from the striker and his camp. According to Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, the club has now issued a clear ultimatum. Posting on social media platform X, Jacobs revealed that Newcastle have given Sesko 48 hours to make his decision regarding a move to Tyneside.
> “Newcastle now confident they can reach an agreement with Leipzig,” Jacobs wrote. “But they have no plans to allow the saga to drag on to the latter part of this week without clarity.”
With rival interest—particularly from Manchester United—still looming, Newcastle are understandably eager to avoid wasting further time if the player is leaning toward another destination.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Newcastle have been down this road before. Earlier this summer, the club expended significant time and energy pursuing players like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Bryan Mbeumo, only to be rebuffed in favor of more glamorous moves to traditional “Big Six” clubs. Those experiences have served as a warning for the current window: get commitments early or move on quickly.
This time, however, Newcastle have gone one step further. An official bid has already been submitted to Leipzig, and by all accounts, the club believes it’s in the lead to land Sesko. But with the Premier League opener against Aston Villa fast approaching, they simply cannot afford to remain in limbo.
What Happens If Sesko Says No?
If Sesko chooses to join Manchester United or any other club, it would be a blow—not just emotionally or symbolically, but strategically. While walking away now would save Newcastle further time trying to convince an uncertain player, it would also leave the club scrambling for alternatives with the season nearly upon them.
One possible contingency is Ollie Watkins, a proven Premier League striker who could fit well into Howe’s system. However, prising Watkins away from Aston Villa would be no easy task. Villa are dealing with their own squad depth issues and would likely demand a premium fee—especially with so little time left in the window.
Moreover, losing out on another top-tier target to a so-called “bigger” club would continue a worrying trend for Newcastle. Despite their Champions League qualification and ambitious long-term project, there remains a perception gap among elite players. If even the promise of being the starting No.9 at a club on the rise isn’t enough to secure a commitment, Howe and the recruitment team may be forced to reassess how they pitch Newcastle United as a destination.
The Bigger Picture
Should Sesko reject the move, the message it sends is more than just a simple “no.” It calls into question what more Newcastle can do to attract players of his caliber. From consistent European football to a manager known for improving talent and a fanbase hungry for success, the ingredients appear to be there. But still, for some, the pull of Manchester United—despite their own struggles—remains stronger.
If a decision doesn’t arrive within the next 48 hours, Newcastle will need to pivot decisively. The club cannot afford to begin the new season light in attacking options, particularly given the expectations from fans and the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
For now, the ball is in Sesko’s court. And for Eddie Howe, the next two days may define the success—or failure—of Newcastle’s summer rebuild.