The summer transfer window has delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for Newcastle United fans.
Reports suggest star striker Alexander Isak has made it clear he wishes to "explore his options," with Liverpool reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Swede.
Simultaneously, Newcastle has reportedly been battling Manchester United for the signature of RB Leipzig's highly-rated forward, Benjamin Sesko, only for fresh reports to indicate Sesko might be favouring a move to Old Trafford.
🚨 Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko if striker signed this summer. 22yo now preferred option for #MUFC + informal contact made with RB Leipzig. Slovenia int’l also remains top target for Newcastle United: #NUFC pursuit continues @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/nwxt5qQIYj
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 30, 2025
This perceived setback in the Sesko pursuit, however, might just be the "blessing in disguise" Eddie Howe and the Toon Army secretly need.
With a lack of other readily available, top-tier striker options on the market, the failure to secure Sesko could inadvertently strengthen Newcastle's resolve to retain their prized asset, Isak.
Newcastle's position on Isak has been consistent: they do not want to sell him.
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Manager Eddie Howe has reiterated that Isak remains a Newcastle player, under contract until 2028, giving the club significant leverage.
While Liverpool's interest is strong and they are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of £125m-£150m, Newcastle's owners are not under immediate pressure to sell, especially given their improved PSR position this summer.
The club's pursuit of Sesko was understood to be a proactive measure, preparing for a potential Isak departure.
The market for elite strikers this summer, however, has proven to be incredibly competitive and often frustrating for Newcastle.
They've seen other targets, such as Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike, opt for moves elsewhere, and now the Sesko deal appears complicated by Manchester United's aggressive pursuit.
If Sesko ultimately chooses Old Trafford, Newcastle's options for a like-for-like, high-calibre replacement for Isak diminish significantly.
While names like Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham) and Yoane Wissa (Brentford) have been linked, they don't carry the same profile or potential as an Isak or Sesko.
These calibre of strikers are much more likely to be their second option as a replacement for Callum Wilson, who left on a free transfer earlier in the window.
Faced with this reality, the strategic decision to simply keep Isak becomes not just desirable, but arguably the most pragmatic and beneficial outcome for Newcastle.
Isak, despite his reported desire to explore options, is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having netted 21 league goals last season.
His pace, movement, and clinical finishing are precisely what Newcastle needs to compete in the Champions League and push for higher Premier League finishes.
While the club might have considered selling him for a record fee to reinvest, the difficulty in finding a comparable replacement could force their hand to hold firm.
This situation could push Newcastle's hierarchy to exert their strong contractual position, potentially even offering Isak an improved contract to settle any unrest.
If the market truly offers no viable alternatives, then keeping a fit and motivated Alexander Isak becomes the best possible "signing" of the summer.
What initially appears as a transfer blow might just ensure Newcastle holds onto the very player they desperately need.
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