Bigger talent than Ekitike: Newcastle targeting £70m "menace of a striker"

What a whirlwind 24 hours or so it has been for Newcastle United. On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that they received a huge approach from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, which is said to be a ‘record bid’ from Fabrizio Romano.

That is something that could scupper their move for French striker Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies are believed to have bid £69m for the Eintracht Frankfurt star, also confirmed by Romano, but the German side rejected that offer. If Liverpool are priced out of a move for Isak, they could instead move for Ekitike.

The two clubs are certainly embroiled in one of the sagas of the summer so far, although perhaps Newcastle will turn their attention elsewhere completely.

The latest on Newcastle’s transfer business

It will be fascinating to see who ends up where at the end of the Isak and Ekitike saga, with it looking increasingly likely that one will play for Liverpool next season. Thus, the Magpies may well switch their focus and look for an alternative centre-forward, regardless of what happens.

A recent report from Chronicle Live says that Eddie Howe’s side are ‘long-term admirers’ of RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. Reading between the lines, perhaps a move for the 22-year-old will materialise.

However, there is a stumbling block, and that is the fact that he is ‘one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe’, as described in the report. Arsenal are one club linked with the striker, having reportedly been in talks over a £70m move for him back in June.

With the Gunners now set to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead, it remains to be seen if Sesko is still on their list.

How Sesko compares to Ekitike

There is no doubt that Sesko would move to St James’ Park with a fantastic reputation. Described as a “menace of a striker” by football scout Antonio Mango, the Slovenia international is well-regarded across European football.

The 2024/25 campaign was an impressive one for the Leipzig striker. In 45 appearances for the German side, he scored 21 goals and grabbed six assists along the way. His Bundesliga record of 13 goals and five assists is impressive for someone just 22 years of age.

When you think of a “menace” in front of goal, as Mango described the Leipzig number nine, a deadly centre-forward who can score plenty of types of goals may spring to mind.

Look at this strike in the Champions League last season, which really highlights what the scout means. That is a deadly finish.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is a bigger talent than Ekitike. The Frenchman impressed for Eintracht last term, with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

There is no doubt that the former PSG player is a superb striker and someone whose game is well-rounded, given the number of assists he gets. He also knows where the back of the net is, too, as the video showcases.

However, looking at some of the numbers on FBref, you can certainly make a case for the fact that the Leipzig striker is a bigger talent. Some of the key numbers for a striker certainly weigh in Sesko’s favour. It is also worth bearing in mind that, whilst Ekitike scored more goals last season, he did feature in more games.

For example, the 22-year-old Slovenia international averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.32 goals per shot on target each game for the Frenchman. In terms of off-the-ball work, Sesko wins 2.65 aerial duels per game compared to Ekitike’s 1.82.

You can certainly form a strong argument which says Sesko is a way bigger talent than Ekitike, not least having already scored 93 club goals to date at senior level, from 214 games. The latter man, by contrast, has scored just 44 club goals from 136 games, despite being just over a year older than the Leipzig sensation.

Whilst the Magpies are in many ways stuck in limbo with their striker signing, perhaps the opportunity to sign Sesko could present itself this summer.

A £70m fee is expensive, but it is only the same fee that they bid for the Eintracht star, and would surely be enough to tempt Leipzig into a sale. The Newcastle striker saga, from here, will be fascinating, but Sesko is surely a strong option.

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