Manchester United and Newcastle United are in a heated race to sign RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Both clubs have submitted substantial bids for the forward, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season but was absent from Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta on August 2, 2025, amid transfer speculation.
Bids for Sesko
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Manchester United: Submitted a formal bid of €85 million (£73.8 million), comprising €75 million upfront and €10 million in performance-related add-ons.
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Newcastle United: Offered €90 million (£78.3 million), with €80 million guaranteed and €10 million in add-ons, following an initial bid of €75 million plus €5 million in bonuses that Leipzig deemed insufficient.
RB Leipzig are evaluating both offers, with Sesko’s preference pivotal to the outcome. The club, which signed Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, expects a sell-on clause in any deal and has a 2029 contract with a gentleman’s agreement allowing a move for €80–90 million if an elite club meets their valuation.
Manchester United’s Strategy
Manchester United are leveraging their director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, to sway Sesko. Vivell, who discovered Sesko at 16 while at Red Bull Salzburg and later signed him for Leipzig, maintains a strong relationship with the striker. This connection is seen as United’s “secret weapon” in negotiations, with reports suggesting Sesko leans toward Old Trafford due to Vivell’s influence and the club’s project under manager Ruben Amorim. United’s bid, though lower than Newcastle’s, aligns with their valuation, and they believe Sesko favors a move to Manchester. The club’s recent signings, including Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and financial flexibility from loan exits and sell-on clauses, support their pursuit without immediate player sales.
Newcastle’s Position
Newcastle’s higher bid reflects their urgency to secure a striker, especially with Alexander Isak’s future uncertain after a rejected £110 million offer from Liverpool. Manager Eddie Howe has emphasized quality over quantity, with Sesko a top target to bolster their attack alongside Will Osula, their only other recognized first-team striker after Callum Wilson’s departure. Positive talks involving Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben have strengthened their position, but concerns remain that Sesko may prefer United’s project or higher wages.
Sesko’s Decision
Sesko, who has verbally agreed to terms with both clubs, has yet to make a final choice. His absence from Leipzig’s recent friendly and solo training indicate an imminent departure, with Sky Sports Germany reporting he informed teammates of his intent to leave. While a Slovenian outlet, Delo, claimed Sesko chose Newcastle, other sources, including Sky Sports, suggest he leans toward United, with his decision expected imminently as Leipzig evaluates the bids’ structures. Leipzig’s interest in loaning United’s Rasmus Hojlund as part of the deal adds complexity, though United are open to offers for Hojlund while not ruling out both strikers staying.
With the transfer window closing in September 2025, Sesko’s choice between Manchester United’s storied vision and Newcastle’s Champions League promise will shape the Premier League’s striker market.
Source: African Publicity