Forget Benjamin Sesko - two strikers Man Utd can target as Newcastle United prepare approach
Alexander Isak has told Newcastle United that he wants to explore a move away this summer.
Manchester United have managed to address the two number 10 positions that Ruben Amorim likes to play with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but despite that, United still need to sign a number nine.
Last year, Rasmus Hojlund scored just four Premier League goals, sparking reports that have suggested the Danish striker could leave the club this summer. The Red Devils have been linked to several top nines, but they missed out on the likes of Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres.
They have identified a new target, but are now set to face competition from Newcastle following the news that Alexander Isak has asked to explore a move away from St James’ Park amid interest from Liverpool.
Newcastle target Benjamin Sesko
One striker that Man United has been linked with is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who has also been previously linked with Arsenal and a move to the Saudi Pro League. United will only be able to sign Sesko if they make sales first, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia yet to leave.
In what could be a major blow to Man United, Fabrizio Romano has said that Newcastle are interested in Sesko as a replacement should Isak leave this summer amid the Liverpool links. Romano said on X: “Understand Newcastle are ready to present their project to Benjamin Šeško as they want to go big!
“Proposal to the player also being prepared as NUFC see Šeško as ideal striker in case Isak leaves, as he wants to. As revealed earlier, Newcastle are very keen on Šeško.”
🚨⚪️⚫️ Understand Newcastle are ready to present their project to Benjamin Šeško as they want to go big!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025
Proposal to the player also being prepared as #NUFC see Šeško as ideal striker in case Isak leaves, as he wants to.
As revealed earlier, Newcastle are very keen on Šeško. pic.twitter.com/DtWo3mIjkl
Sesko would be a great replacement for Isak, considering that last season, he managed to score 21 goals in 45 games in all competitions for RB Leipzig. He is expected to command a transfer fee of around £70m this summer, so Man United would need to sell fast before Newcastle can swoop in and make a move for Sesko, especially considering they can offer Champions League football.
Who could Man United sign instead?
If Newcastle do manage to land Sesko before United, they will have to consider other targets in order to fill the void at the number nine spot. Sesko is a tall, target man-style striker, and he is exactly the mould of nine that would suit Amorim’s formation and system.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move to Man United, but he is expected to cost at least £60m too, meaning that player sales remain the top priority at Old Trafford.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic could provide a cut-price option, as he could be released by the Italian club, who don’t want to pay his wages anymore. Vlahovic wouldn’t be up there in terms of a Sesko, but having scored 15 goals last year, he would be a cheap goal-scoring solution.