The talented Slovenian player, Benjamin Sesko, has reportedly garnered interest from as many as three prominent Premier League teams during this transfer season, notably including the two clubs currently in contention to acquire him.
The 22-year-old is reportedly the target of individual proposals from both Newcastle United and Manchester United, surpassing the estimated €75 million value by RB Leipzig, and was previously on Arsenal’s radar before the Gunners secured Viktor Gyokeres.
According to information from Sky Sports, Newcastle is believed to have structured a deal that would enable Leipzig to secure a more substantial payment for Sesko, although Manchester United anticipates that the player’s preference leans toward a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s recruitment officer demonstrates deep affinity with RB Leipzig
Leipzig has yet to formally respond to either offer, despite the understanding that Newcastle’s updated proposal, approximately valued at €80 million, with a potential €10 million in additional incentives, was initially presented.
Sesko’s personal decision might determine his future, considering that the German team has supposedly received two bids that fulfill their pre-determined valuation.
🚨🆕 EXCL DETAIL | Understand Benjamin #Sesko and his camp have reached full verbal agreements with both Manchester United and Newcastle over a long-term contract. Final details were settled yesterday.It now mainly depends on which club also reaches an agreement with RB… pic.twitter.com/f7I6th28MIAugust 5, 2025
Regardless of the Champions League opportunity, a competitive salary, and the potential role as a starting no.9 player at St. James’ Park, should Alexander Isak move to Liverpool, Manchester United may possess an advantage in negotiations.
Conversely, Man United has secured Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a total cost of around £135 million this summer, with whom Sesko would contend for a prominent position. The Red Devils also retain Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, both presenting possible challenges in terms of offloading given their initial costs and contractual agreements.
Ultimately, these considerations might not influence Sesko and his team if his desire is to join the Old Trafford team.
Man United may have been informed through club networks connected to Leipzig that the value of their submitted proposal would enable the Bundesliga team to approve the offer, allowing Sesko the option to select his next club.
Christopher Vivell, the Recruitment Director at Old Trafford, previously held the role of Technical Director for RB Leipzig from 2020 to 2022. Meanwhile, the Magpies currently lack a sporting director after Paul Mitchell’s departure earlier this summer. Man United also have the option to include one of their existing players as part of a prospective Sesko transaction, softening the impact on Leipzig’s team.
Notably, Hojlund has openly declared his commitment to compete for his position at Man United, but might find himself replaced if Sesko joins Mbeumo and Cunha.
Newcastle does not share this situation; the club’s front-line attack is hardly overcrowded, especially considering Isak’s expected departure.
Online bookmaker Betfair has temporarily suspended betting on Sesko joining Man United, prompted by news of the Old Trafford offer, predicting that the 22-year-old will choose the team based in the north-west over the team in the north-east.
