

Premier League
Newcastle United Targets Big-Name Signing To Save Frustrating Summer Transfer Window
Newcastle United have returned to the Champions League, but their summer transfer activity doesn’t seem to match the progress they’ve shown on the pitch.
Currently, they are attempting to secure a major signing that could save their transfer window.
Following a strong finish to last season, there was hope that the club would capitalize on that momentum and strengthen its squad further.
Instead, they have struggled to secure key signings, and most of their targets have ended up elsewhere.
The signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million was promising as it added pace and attacking depth to the attack.
Players they have missed out on
However, Newcastle has repeatedly missed out on players they were pursuing.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo was one of their main targets, but he opted to join Manchester United. João Pedro was also high on their list, yet he transferred to Chelsea.
More recently, Hugo Ekitike appeared to be heading to Liverpool rather than signing for Newcastle.
Furthermore, Newcastle submitted a £25 million bid for Yoane Wissa, but Brentford rejected it and are holding out for more than £40 million.
This week, a move for goalkeeper James Trafford also fell apart. Newcastle matched Burnley’s £27 million valuation, but the player is set to join Manchester City instead.
Fans are becoming worried and rightly so.
Interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has waned, despite solid interest over the past year.
Tino Livramento, who had an impressive season, is now being closely watched by Manchester City. Meanwhile, Newcastle has begun negotiations for a new contract to prevent losing another key player.
However, behind the scenes, the situation remains uncertain. The departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell appears to have had a significant impact on the club’s transfer plans.
It has left Eddie Howe and his nephew Andy, who leads the scouting department along with Steve Nixon, with more responsibility during a crucial window.
Recruitment that once felt clear and coordinated now appears reactive.
Isak situation
The most pressing issue is the future of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker scored 27 goals last season and is seen as a vital player for the team.
However, his representatives are unhappy, primarily because Anthony Gordon was given a new, improved contract before Isak.
Isak is demanding a deal worth £300,000 per week, but the club has yet to agree to those terms.
Liverpool has shown serious interest, and there is growing speculation that a bid worth £150 million could arrive before the end of the window.
Isak has missed early pre-season, and that absence has only added to the uncertainty.
Gordon himself remains a target for Liverpool, despite signing a new deal. The idea of losing either player would be damaging. Losing both would be disastrous.
Newcastle’s immediate transfer prospects now appear to center on Benjamin Sesko.
The RB Leipzig striker has emerged as the club’s most prominent target. He possesses the physical attributes and finishing prowess that Newcastle desires, and he fits the age range the club typically favors.
Negotiations are ongoing, but Sesko has yet to make a final decision.
While he seems interested in the move, Newcastle is also concerned that he may opt to spend another season in the Bundesliga.
Securing him would be a major boost. It would help settle nerves and restore belief in the project.
If they fail to sign him and continue to lose ground elsewhere, Newcastle may find themselves underprepared for the challenges ahead.
The return to the Champions League should have been a turning point. Instead, it has highlighted just how far Newcastle still has to go.