Newcastle United's Alexander Isak replacement: Who could Eddie Howe sign to replace Swedish striker?

Alexander Isak has dropped a bombshell on Tyneside this week, reportedly informing Newcastle United that he wants to explore his options during the current transfer window - a move that threatens to derail Eddie Howe's plans ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The Swedish striker, fresh off a superb 23-goal Premier League campaign, has attracted major interest from Liverpool this summer, and the Reds are reportedly preparing for a potentially British transfer record-breaking bid, despite the recent arrival of Hugo Ekitike at Anfield.

For a club that are aiming to establish themselves as a consistent Champions League challenger in the Premier League, losing Isak could be catastrophic to their plans, meaning the Magpies would have to sign the perfect replacement to continue on their path.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at what players Newcastle United could sign to replace Isak.

Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)

Newcastle United's first choice in the eventuality of Isak's possible departure is supposedly RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who has attracted interest from some of Europe's elite teams already this summer.

The striker, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, was a target for Arsenal before they decided to pursue Viktor Gyokeres, while the likes of Manchester United have also been linked with the 22-year-old in recent months.

Sesko's profile is similar to that of Isak's, as the Slovenian stands at 6'4" and possesses the pace, strength and technical ability that has become a trademark of Newcastle's current talisman, and at just 22 years old, Sesko has plenty of room for improvement.

While a deal may well cost upwards of £60m for a young striker that is still far from the finished product, it must be remembered that Newcastle took that same risk on Isak back when the Swede joined the club in 2022, and they may well take that option again.

Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)

While scouting Sesko, Newcastle have reportedly also been impressed by his RB Leipzig striker partner Lois Openda, who has scored 41 goals in 90 appearances across all competitions since joining the German side in 2023.

The Belgian would provide a different type of striker profile than Isak, as Openda is 5'8" and has made a name for himself through his electric pace, clinical finishing and work rate out of possession, while he also thrives when playing off of a direct strike partner.

There have been reports that Newcastle could be looking for two strikers in the case of Isak's sale, meaning Openda may well be partnered alongside another forward, and this could prove the ideal combination to help Newcastle retain the goalscoring threat in attack.

Openda would likely cost less than his teammate, but with teams such as Inter Milan also interested, RB Leipzig may look to start a bidding war that could reach upwards of £50m.

Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

Newcastle have already shown a concrete interest in Yoane Wissa this summer, with one bid reportedly rejected by Brentford and another offer said to be in preparation as the Magpies seek attacking reinforcements, even in the case of Isak staying.

Wissa stepped up as Brentford's main striker last term following the departure of Ivan Toney, and the 28-year-old thrived in his new role, scoring 19 Premier League goals in 35 appearances - with all of his goals coming from open play.

The forward's clear Premier League pedigree could entice Howe to make him his starting striker next term, while his ability to play anywhere across the forward line could help him thrive in a dynamic and fluid Newcastle attacking system, with the likes of Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon able to switch and rotate.

Brentford are reportedly reluctant to allow Wissa to depart the club this summer, due to the already confirmed departure of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, but it is believed that the Bees would be open to an offer of around £40m.

Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus)

Randal Kolo Muani is a rather strange case, with the French striker rarely linked to a transfer this summer despite seemingly being on the Paris Saint-Germain chopping block and having impressed on loan at Juventus with 10 goals and three assists in 22 games.

Reports are beginning to emerge that the Old Lady are keen on making his loan deal permanent, while the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for the striker in recent weeks.

Kolo Muani could be the perfect replacement for Isak in the Newcastle United team, as the striker boasts a similar physical presence, technical ability and preferred playing style.

The Frenchman stands at 6'1" and is a wiry but strong presence in the final third, with the ability to play anywhere across the forward line thanks to his pace, direct dribbling ability and impressive quality in receiving the ball to feet and combining with his attacking partners - something that was particularly apparent with Kenan Yildiz for Juventus.

Newcastle would face stern opposition from some of Europe's elite for the 26-year-old's signature, but Kolo Muani may well be the ideal replacement for Isak in terms of playing style.