Newcastle criticized by Sesko, Isak ran away: Magpies and the fate of 'underdogs'

Money is not enough

Newcastle United have just experienced a transfer market week that can be considered a slap in the face to their ambitions of becoming a major force.

Newcastle's top target, striker Benjamin Sesko, said no to an offer from St James' Park, despite the Magpies being willing to pay a higher fee than their rivals MU.

With Sesko as the target, things initially seemed to be going in Eddie Howe's favour.

Newcastle knocked on RB Leipzig's door with an offer of 80 million euros, including the full release clause. Then there was an add-on clause worth another 10 million euros.

They have the Champions League to call, and a promising sporting project revolving around the 22-year-old Slovenian striker.

However, in the midst of constant change, Sesko chose MU as his stop in England.

The amount MU spent – 76.5 million euros plus 8.5 million euros in additional fees – is even lower than Newcastle. Moreover, the Red Devils will not be able to participate in the European Cup in the 2025/26 season.

The answer lies in something Newcastle have yet to buy: tradition and reputation.

Last season, Newcastle won the League Cup to end a long period without a trophy. However, that title was not enough to raise the team's stature compared to MU, even when the Red Devils had a disastrous season.

United's scouting department, which included personnel who had worked at Leipzig, successfully convinced Sesko that Old Trafford was the right launch pad.

In deals like this, money is just one part, and sometimes not the most important factor.

Before approaching and focusing all their attention on negotiations with Leipzig about Sesko, Newcastle had pursued Hugo Ekitike but failed.

The French striker, after a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, chose Liverpool. Newcastle were also willing to pay a higher transfer fee in this case – but money isn’t always everything.

Isak flees and is in a weak position.

What happened showed an unpleasant reality: Newcastle is not attractive enough to become the number one destination for A-class attacking talents.

They have financial potential thanks to investment from Saudi Arabia, a rising position, but have not created the feeling of an "empire" ready to compete for major titles.

When MU and Liverpool enter the same transfer negotiation room, the "Magpies" are often the ones who have to leave without reaching any agreement.

In that context, the worry about Alexander Isak makes Newcastle's leaders lose sleep.

Liverpool have entered the game. For his part, Isak has declared that he does not want to continue staying at Newcastle, nor does he want to play.

The Swedish striker was very clear: he wanted to leave no later than September 1st – the transfer window closed. Isak also refused to go to Saudi Arabia and chose Liverpool.

The possibility of Newcastle losing their main striker is very high. At that time, the entire plan for the new season will have to be rewritten from scratch.

Newcastle need to be more realistic about their ambitions: sign decent players. Anthony Elanga is a prime example.

The Magpies have just signed Elanga from Nottingham Forest for around 61.4 million euros. This is quite a high figure for such a player.

“Blockbuster” is not easy for Newcastle. On the contrary, it is the faces like Elanga – the type of player with speed, ambition and hard work like a worker – who easily integrates into Eddie Howe’s tactics.

Similar is the case of Nicolas Jackson – a player that Chelsea are quite disappointed with but has a high price tag.

The modern football market is no longer a game of cheques. It is a combination of long-term strategy, personal persuasion and an inspiring football environment.

Newcastle, if they are to avoid falling behind in the races, will have to learn to build on that appeal. Otherwise, they will be left on the sidelines as the brightest stars take other routes.

Newcastle also have to be aware of one thing: Anthony Gordon could follow in Isak's footsteps at any moment.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/newcastle-hut-sesko-mat-isak-than-phan-chieu-duoi-2430282.html