Time is ticking for Newcastle United.
With just a fortnight to go before the Premier League season begins, the club still hasn’t secured a new striker, and the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
Alexander Isak, the club’s current star forward, has made it clear he wants out.
After skipping the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead training at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, doubts around his commitment have intensified.
Though he has since returned to Tyneside, uncertainty lingers.
Liverpool remain interested, and any sale is expected to cost suitors in excess of £150 million. In response, Newcastle have prioritised the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
The Slovenian international is viewed as the ideal long-term successor, with the club submitting an €80 million bid over the weekend.
However, the offer fell short of Leipzig’s valuation, and with Manchester United also circling, the player has yet to commit.
According to multiple reports, Newcastle have now issued an ultimatum to Šeško’s camp, requesting a final decision within 24 hours.
Given the looming deadline and rising frustration behind the scenes, the Magpies are now actively exploring alternatives.
One name under serious consideration offers a proven Premier League pedigree, consistent output, and a track record of durability – all at a potentially lower cost.
Premier League-ready alternative being considered
According to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, Ollie Watkins has been identified as one of the names under consideration by the Magpies. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is also in the mix, should Newcastle be ‘frustrated’ in their move for the likes of Watkins and Šeško.
The 29-year-old striker has emerged as one of English football’s most reliable forwards and is considered by some within the club as a more sensible, Premier League-ready investment than the talented but untested Šeško.
Watkins is coming off a stellar campaign at Aston Villa.
Fresh from helping Unai Emery’s side reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the England international hit 16 league goals last season, marking his third consecutive campaign of 15+ Premier League goals.
That kind of consistency is rare, even more so when paired with excellent fitness: Watkins has missed just three league matches through injury since he joined the Midlands club. He would be the perfect signing…
Why Watkins could be better than Sesko
Emery has called him “one of the best strikers in Europe,” and it’s not hard to see why. His blend of pace, intelligent movement, and selfless work rate makes him a natural fit for high-pressing, attack-minded teams like Newcastle.
Villa’s current financial position may make a sale possible.
With the club needing to stay within Profit and Sustainability guidelines, they’ve already sanctioned the €77m (£64m) sale of Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabia.
Emiliano Martínez could be next, and although Watkins isn’t officially on the market, a sizable bid may tempt the club to cash in.
While Šeško represents potential, Watkins offers proven value and immediate impact, a combination Newcastle might need more than ever.
Last season, according to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements, compared to Šeško’s 18. In terms of non-penalty expected goals, Watkins again comes out on top: 13.2 vs. Šeško’s 8.4.
While Šeško had marginally more shots per 90 (3.10 vs. Watkins’ 2.84), both players posted the same shot-on-target percentage (43.9%), indicating similar efficiency in front of goal.
The Premier League star also outperformed his rival in progressive carries per 90 (1.90 vs. 1.78) and pass completion (72.4% vs. 67.6%).
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
In terms of durability, there’s no comparison. Watkins’ availability is one of his biggest strengths, having featured in 184 out of a possible 190 Premier League games for Villa.
Newcastle, who have previously suffered from squad depth issues, would benefit massively from a forward who is virtually always ready to play.
Financially, too, Watkins may be the more pragmatic option. Leipzig have little reason to sell on the cheap.
With Šeško under contract until 2029 and attracting bids from multiple Premier League clubs, the final fee could exceed €90m.
Watkins, despite his importance to Villa, would likely cost significantly less, with a £60m fee having been touted.
Then there’s the stylistic question.
Watkins has operated successfully in a high-intensity, pressing system under Emery.
His defensive work from the front, movement between the lines, and ability to stretch backlines all align well with Eddie Howe’s tactical preferences.
In contrast, Šeško is still refining his hold-up play and has yet to prove himself against elite-level Premier League defences.
While signing Šeško might signal a bold, ambitious move, Watkins represents something even more valuable in the short term: certainty.
Goals and minutes – all backed by hard evidence rather than projection.
If Newcastle want a forward to carry them through a transitional summer and lead them into a critical new campaign, they may already have their man.
