Benjamin Sesko Chooses Manchester United Over Newcastle
Benjamin Sesko is subject to bids from Man Utd and Newcastle. Source: Skysports
RB Leipzig’s highly coveted striker Benjamin Sesko has reportedly set his sights on joining Manchester United, dealing a significant blow to Newcastle United’s ambitions. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward, one of Europe’s most promising talents, has been at the center of a fierce transfer battle between the two Premier League clubs, with both submitting substantial bids to secure his signature. However, despite Newcastle’s ability to offer Champions League football and a higher financial package, Sesko’s preference for Old Trafford has shifted the momentum in Manchester United’s favour, as negotiations with Leipzig intensify.
The pursuit of Sesko has been one of the most captivating storylines of the 2025 transfer window. Manchester United entered the race with a bid of up to €85 million (£73.9 million), comprising a guaranteed €75 million (£65.2 million) plus €10 million (£8.7 million) in performance-related add-ons. This came just 24 hours after Newcastle United tabled an improved offer of at least €80 million (£69.5 million) with an additional €10 million in potential bonuses. While Newcastle’s total package was slightly higher, the structure of the bids and Sesko’s personal preference have tilted the scales toward Manchester United.
Both offers are currently under evaluation by RB Leipzig, who are open to selling Sesko after missing out on European football for the upcoming season. The Bundesliga club is reportedly seeking a transfer fee in the region of €75 million, potentially with a sell-on clause and additional bonuses to maximize their return on the young star. Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schafer, confirmed that several clubs had made approaches for Sesko, signaling an imminent departure.
Despite Newcastle’s compelling case, Sesko’s desire to join Manchester United has emerged as the decisive factor. Sources indicate that the Slovenian forward has been waiting for United to formalize their interest, and his representatives have signaled his intention to move to Old Trafford. This preference comes as a surprise to some, given Manchester United’s lack of European football this season after finishing 15th in the Premier League last term, their worst campaign since 1973-74.
United’s recruitment strategy, led by director Christopher Vivell, who previously scouted Sesko for Red Bull Salzburg at age 16, has played a significant role. Vivell’s long-standing relationship with Sesko and his agent has given United an edge in negotiations. Manager Ruben Amorim has also prioritized Sesko, viewing him as the ideal addition to bolster United’s attacking line, which struggled for goals last season. The club’s recent signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, combined with the loan departure of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, have freed up financial resources to pursue Sesko without immediate player sales.
For Newcastle, Sesko’s apparent decision to join Manchester United is another setback in a challenging transfer window. The Magpies have already missed out on several high-profile targets, including Mbeumo and Cunha, who both chose United, as well as Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) and James Trafford (Manchester City). The potential loss of Sesko adds to the frustration, particularly as Newcastle face uncertainty over their star striker, Alexander Isak.
Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has expressed a desire to leave, with Liverpool tabling a £110 million bid that was rejected by Newcastle. The Magpies are reportedly holding out for £150 million for the Swedish striker but are reluctant to let him go without securing a replacement. Sesko was seen as the ideal candidate to fill the void, especially given his experience playing in a front two alongside Lois Openda at Leipzig, which could have complemented Isak if he stayed. Newcastle’s negotiations for Sesko, led by director Jamie Reuben and Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy Howe, have been aggressive, but the club now faces the prospect of pivoting to other targets, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins also on their radar.
Sesko’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would raise questions about the future of current striker Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for £64 million (rising to £72 million) two years ago. United are reportedly open to offers around £38.4 million for Hojlund to avoid a financial loss, but the Danish striker has expressed a desire to stay and compete for his place.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has already spent £214 million this summer on Cunha, Mbeumo, and teenage left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno. Financial flexibility has been aided by Rashford’s loan to Barcelona, which saved £12.75 million in wages, as well as nearly £21 million raised through sell-on clauses and a £5 million penalty payment from Chelsea for not signing Jadon Sancho. United’s hierarchy is also open to selling players like Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia to further balance the books, with Chelsea reportedly interested in Alejandro Garnacho.
At 6ft 4in, Sesko possesses a physical profile reminiscent of Erling Haaland, combining height, speed, and clinical finishing. Since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, he has scored 39 goals and provided eight assists in 87 appearances, including 27 Bundesliga goals over the past two seasons. His four goals in the Champions League last term further highlight his potential to become one of Europe’s elite strikers. United’s interest in Sesko dates back to 2019 when he emerged at NK Domzale, and his development into a “sledgehammer of a striker,” as described by The Athletic, has only heightened their determination to secure his signature.
Leipzig’s willingness to let Sesko decide his destination suggests that his preference for United could expedite negotiations. However, Newcastle’s higher bid and their need for a replacement for Isak mean they are unlikely to concede defeat easily. With the Premier League season set to kick off in less than two weeks, both clubs are under pressure to finalize their transfer business.