Credit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images - Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images - Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Exclusives

FeaturedExclusivesNewcastle UnitedEnglish Premier League

Benjamin Sesko tops Eddie Howe’s list of Alexander Isak replacements as options emerge

Jamie Brown

Thu 24 July 2025 20:45, UK

TBR Football understands that Benjamin Sesko is top of Eddie Howe’s wishlist of replacements for Alexander Isak.

Isak was omitted from Newcastle’s pre-season squad, which the Tyneside club claim was due to a ‘minor’ injury.

It later emerged that Isak has asked to leave Newcastle, placing several clubs like Liverpool and Al Hilal on red alert.

While Newcastle remain keen to keep hold of the striker, this news has not come as a surprise to Eddie Howe’s team, who were aware this might happen following a meeting last month.

Sources: Newcastle form seven-man shortlist of Alexander Isak replacements

Newcastle United have already started work on replacements for Alexander Isak and currently have a list of around seven strikers who are under consideration, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

The Magpies have identified several options themselves and have also been offered other targets, with their search for a replacement having already commenced.

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko is a player who Newcastle like, and the Tyneside club have started doing work on the Slovenian forward.

Sesko, who Arsenal also considered, enjoyed a great season in the Bundesliga last term as he netted 13 goals and got five assists in 33 appearances.

Bailey told TBR Football: “As we revealed earlier this month, Benjamin Sesko is a player that Eddie Howe likes and has insisted the club do work on. They are already talking to Wissa.

“This is not a shock to Newcastle, they have known this was happening. Howe met Isak’s agents last month.”

Lois Openda

The 22-year-old’s Leipzig teammate, Lois Openda, is another player Newcastle have added to their list of targets, and he could quickly become a key option.

“Aside from Sesko, I can confirm that Lois Openda is on their radar. I was told earlier this week to keep an eye on his situation with Newcastle,” added Bailey.

Yoane Wissa

Newcastle are set to make a new Wissa bid after seeing an opening bid of over £25 million rejected by Brentford.

The Congolese striker was initially targeted as a replacement for Callum Wilson, so if Isak were to leave, they would likely target Wissa, plus another option.

Samu Aghehowa

Samu Aghehowa remains one of the hottest striker talents in Europe after scoring 27 goals in 45 games for Porto last season.

The 21-year-old is a player whom the Magpies have scouted on a handful of occasions, and there is an appreciation for the Spaniard.

Bailey claimed: “I am hearing a few other names, Samu Aghehowa, they appreciate and have watched several times.”

Ollie Watkins

Newcastle could make a shock move for Ollie Watkins, whose future at Villa Park is now uncertain after Unai Emery’s side missed out on the Champions League.

Man United also like Watkins, but the Toon could explode into the race for the England international if they were to lose Isak.

“Could they join the Ollie Watkins conversation? Don’t rule it out. They are also one of the clubs offered to Nicolas Jackson,” TBR Football’s chief correspondent added.

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson could leave Chelsea this summer following what has been a tricky two seasons in West London.

The Senegalese striker is being offered around to various clubs, including Man United and Newcastle. Jackson hit double figures for goals in the Premier League last term.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Tyneside club’s supporters might not like to hear this one, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be brought in as another option.

Of course, the former Everton man isn’t seen as a direct replacement for Isak, but he could be brought in as another option.

Finally, Bailey revealed: “Newcastle fans won’t want to hear this, but this really does mean the chances of Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming in are increased, although only as a second or third choice.”

TBR Football understands that talks between Calvert-Lewin and Newcastle have already taken place.