Soccer Football - DFB Cup - Quarter Final - RB Leipzig v VfL Wolfsburg - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - February 26, 2025 RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
Newcastle United aren’t have the summer transfer window they had hoped for, and another blow on a long-term target was delivered this morning.
The Magpies have held an interest in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford for two years and had been working on a deal to finally secure his signature this summer.
However, it has now been revealed that Trafford will rejoin Manchester City instead.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle missed their opportunity at a crucial moment:
“Newcastle had chance to close James Trafford deal pre Club World Cup. Man City not considering 22yo goalkeeper at that point but #NUFC offer too low. By time bid raised too late as #MCFC arrived + convinced #BurnleyFC & England U21 int’l @TheAthleticFC”
This latest near-miss is the story of Newcastle’s summer so far.
The club has already missed out on several striker targets, including Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, all of whom opted to join other Premier League sides.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope for the North East giants with weeks remaining in the transfer window.
It was revealed this week that the club are keen to sign Sesko either to partner Alexander Isak or to replace him, as the Swedish striker has reportedly expressed a desire to leave St James’ Park this summer.
Now, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has given an update on Newcastle’s progress in the negotiations for Sesko on X:
“Newcastle working today to try and agree personal terms with Benjamin Sesko.”
“Leipzig prepared to sell but not an easy deal for Newcastle to structure. However, a bid is anticipated.”
“Sesko a long-standing target.”
Should Newcastle sign Benjamin Sesko?
There’s no doubt that Newcastle fans are desperate for some positive news regarding the future of the squad.
Regardless of Isak’s future, the signing of a striker must be a top priority for the Magpies before they head into the new season, where they will add European football to their already congested schedule.
Sesko has contributed 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances for Leipzig, averaging a goal involvement every 117 minutes, a level of consistency that would be warmly welcomed on Tyneside.
At just 22 years old, the Slovenian striker would represent a long-term project for Eddie Howe, with notable strengths in aerial duels and dribbling.
Former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell waxed lyrical about Sesko’s profile as a striker:
“Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player.”
“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air.”
“Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”
Leipzig are reportedly asking for €80m (£70m), though it remains to be seen what Newcastle are willing to offer for the highly-rated forward.
At this point, Newcastle have no time left to rest on their laurels; they need to sign a striker before the new Premier League season kicks off in just three weeks if they are to compete comfortably on all fronts.
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