Crisis at Newcastle: Why are top players snubbing the Magpies?

Man United sign Sesko, Isak wants out, Nunez joins Al Hilal, Liverpool eyes Isak, Newcastle faces striker crisis with season kickoff approaching.

There's a crisis at Newcastle with the league starting in a few days; how does Eddie Howe navigate the striker situation with the Magpies in four competitions? (Photo credit: BBC)

The worst kept secret in the past few days have come out in the open as Manchester United landed their man, Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

You must feel for Newcastle United; they have Champions League football, yet most players they have set sights on this summer have gone elsewhere. Is it a problem of the club's pedigree? Or do these players think Eddie Howe isn’t a big enough manager to lead them?

Even the players in the club are asking to leave, and you must wonder how Anthony Elanga feels right now after joining earlier in the window. Tino Livramento is talking to Manchester City, and it is widely believed that Anthony Gordon could be the next to leave as well.

The biggest of them all is Alexander Isak’s decision to leave this summer. Liverpool submitted a big bid for the Swede, but the Magpies shut the door on any conversation; however, Isak has refused to turn up for training after refusing to show up for the pre-season tour.

Liverpool’s sights are still firmly on Isak; the champions can afford him after receiving another €53m from Al Hilal for Darwin Nunez, and it could get better with RB Leipzig seeking the services of Harvey Elliot. The Kops would be in a great position to afford the Newcastle striker.

As things stand, where does Newcastle turn to for a striker? Even if they hang on to a disgruntled Isak, they still need help up front. Isak’s fitness record isn’t the best despite being available for the best part of last season; Callum Wilson has left the club, and Will Orsula isn’t good enough for the level they need.

Chelsea wants Nicolas Jackson off the wage bill with the arrival of replacements. Chris Nkunku is another striker who is available from Chelsea; the latter is of a different profile and could be of help, but is Newcastle looking in that direction?

Manchester United now has luxury upfront. Rasmus Hojlund has been underwhelming despite joining for a big fee; however, can Newcastle revive the Dane? Joshua Zirkzee is another player that could experience limited playing time at Old Trafford. Can he flourish at St James’s Park?

There are some strikers in the league that could do a great job at Newcastle. Jean-Philippe Mateta is waiting in the wings at Crystal Palace; Jarrod Bowen leads the line for West Ham. He won’t come cheap, but he is league-proven. Can Newcastle look at him?

The league resumes for the new season next weekend with champions Liverpool starting their title defence at Anfield against Bournemouth. Will Newcastle be ready to compete on all fronts with their striker challenges? The headache is on for Eddie Howe.