Quick Read
- Newcastle and Manchester United are competing to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
- Newcastle has offered €80 million plus add-ons, while United proposed €75 million with €10 million in add-ons.
- Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian, scored 21 goals last season and has a contract with Leipzig until 2029.
- Leipzig is considering offers but holds leverage due to Sesko’s long-term contract.
- The transfer decision will significantly impact Sesko’s career trajectory.
The summer transfer window has become a battleground for two of the Premier League’s giants, as Newcastle United and Manchester United vie for the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian international, just 22 years old, has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in European football, drawing comparisons to Erling Haaland for his physical presence and clinical finishing.
Newcastle’s Aggressive Pursuit
Newcastle United have made no secret of their ambition in this transfer window. After an initial bid of €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons was rejected by RB Leipzig, the club returned with an improved offer of €80 million as a fixed fee, supplemented by additional performance-based bonuses. According to Sky Sports, Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko comes amidst internal changes, including the potential departure of last season’s top scorer, Alexander Isak.
Manager Eddie Howe has emphasized the club’s commitment to securing top-tier talent. “We’re looking for the best players we can get,” Howe stated, highlighting Newcastle’s focus on quality over quantity. However, the Magpies face stiff competition, as other Premier League clubs circle around potential striker targets.
Manchester United Enters the Fray
Manchester United, under the management of Ruben Amorim, have also made their intentions clear. The club submitted a formal bid of €75 million with €10 million in add-ons, as reported by The Athletic. This follows weeks of informal discussions with Leipzig regarding Sesko’s availability. United’s interest in the Slovenian forward is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their attacking options after signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earlier in the summer.
However, Manchester United’s approach appears more cautious. Sources suggest the club is wary of engaging in a bidding war with Newcastle, instead preferring to gauge Sesko’s willingness to join their project. This deliberative approach may hinge on the potential departures of current players like Rasmus Hojlund, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
The Player’s Perspective
Benjamin Sesko finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career. Having scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and totaling 39 goals in 87 appearances since joining RB Leipzig in 2023, the 6’5″ striker has proven himself in the Bundesliga. With a contract running until 2029, Leipzig holds significant leverage in negotiations, but the player’s desire for a move to the Premier League could sway the outcome.
According to ESPN, Sesko has already informed his Leipzig teammates of his intention to leave, adding urgency to the ongoing talks. His decision will likely hinge on the projects presented by Newcastle and Manchester United, both of which offer unique opportunities for the young striker to make his mark in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
RB Leipzig’s Position
RB Leipzig, for their part, appear resigned to losing Sesko but are determined to maximize their financial return. Marcel Schafer, the club’s managing director for sport, confirmed that several clubs have made strong approaches for the striker, though he declined to provide specific details. “It’s obvious what has happened,” Schafer noted, acknowledging the intense interest in Sesko’s services.
The German club has also explored creative solutions, such as a potential loan deal involving Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, to mitigate the impact of Sesko’s departure. However, no concrete agreements have been reached on this front.
What Lies Ahead?
As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, both Newcastle and Manchester United are under pressure to finalize their plans. Newcastle’s proactive strategy may give them the upper hand, but Manchester United’s storied history and global appeal could prove equally persuasive.
For Sesko, the decision represents more than just a transfer; it is a defining moment in his career. Whether he opts for the ambitious project at Newcastle or the established pedigree of Manchester United, the Premier League is poised to welcome a player with immense potential.
Only time will tell which club secures the signature of Benjamin Sesko, but one thing is certain: the Slovenian striker is destined to be a major force in European football.