Benjamin Sesko is a summer target for both Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Newcastle are not waiting in their quest to replace Alexander Isak, and have made a big opening bid for Benjamin Sesko – although several sources have explained why the bid may not mean the end of Manchester United’s interest in the RB Leipzig striker.
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Newcastle want to bolster their attack The
Magpies are keen to bolster their attack as they consider the life of star player Isak, who has made it clear that he wants to leave the club for a big move to Liverpool. Although Newcastle’s official line is still “not for sale” when it comes to the Swedish star, it strongly suggests otherwise that they are actively looking for a replacement.
As a result, Eddie Howe and his staff have set their sights on Sesko, who could leave RB Leipzig this summer if their desired price is met. Although the powerful Slovenian has a buyout clause of €80 million, it is widely reported that Leipzig may be willing to sell him for a lower sum.
Manchester United also on the pitch This
potential transfer has also sparked interest from Manchester United, who are looking for a new striker to lead the attack in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Earlier this week, there was a major claim that the 22-year-old prefers a move to Old Trafford, despite having a deal in principle on a five-year contract with Newcastle.
Newcastle make concrete bid
In light of this deal, it is now understood that Newcastle have made a concrete bid for the player, described by journalist Santi Aouna as the “most serious candidates” to sign him.
Aouna wrote on social media:
“Newcastle are preparing an opening bid of around €72-74m [up to £64m, $85m] for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Manchester United have also shown interest, but for now, Newcastle are the most serious candidates for the player.”
In addition, he wrote in Foot Mercato:
“Newcastle have so far been the big losers in the English transfer window. Although they signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, they were unable to secure Hugo Ekitike, who was snapped up by Liverpool – who are now also targeting their own striker Alexander Isak. They also saw Manchester City get ahead in pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford.”
“Two battles that Newcastle are trying to forget by sending a big bid to RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko.”
“The Slovenian striker is patiently waiting for his turn in this transfer window, having seen Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, Ekitike and others change clubs.”
“The opening could come from Newcastle, who are planning an initial bid of around €73 million to sign him from RB Leipzig. The German club know that they will be challenged for the player before the transfer window closes.”
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Manchester United still in the game
Despite these claims, Fabrizio Romano insists that Manchester United cannot be counted out of the game.
Romano said on his YouTube channel:
“Next week will be very important for Benjamin Sesko’s future. Newcastle are going hard with a contract proposal ready for the player, and they are also ready to approach RB Leipzig. Newcastle are going in very hard and are prepared to do big things for the Slovenian striker. They will go in hard next week.”
“Manchester United are still discussing Benjamin Sesko internally. It’s an expensive deal, so it’s not easy, but don’t forget that gentleman’s deal I told you about. For some clubs, which Sesko has termed as ‘special clubs’ for him, the package price can be €70-80 million fixed, plus €5-10 million in bonuses. That can be an important factor.”
“With Newcastle going in hard and Manchester United discussing strikers and Sesko internally – keep an eye on this matter over the next few days. Newcastle will make a big offer, while Manchester United will discuss his name again with the coach and directors to see if they can make it happen.”
Sesko prefer Manchester United?
Romano’s update follows claims from German journalist Guido Schäfer, who is convinced that the former RB Salzburg striker still prefers a move to Old Trafford rather than St James’ Park.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg doesn’t rule Manchester United out of the game either, adding on his X-account:
“Manchester United are not giving up on Benjamin Sesko. As revealed today, #MUFC have presented the player with clear numbers and their project. Sesko is impressed with Manchester United’s efforts to sign him.”
“But: Newcastle are fully involved in the game and are not giving up. An offer is ready to be sent at any time. Leipzig are now demanding at least 80 million euros.”
Rio Ferdinand warns Manchester United
Despite all this, former United defender Rio Ferdinand urges his old club not to waste money on signing the Slovenian – and believes their money is better spent on strengthening the midfield, especially Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
Ferdinand stated:
“I think Manchester United need to look at what they need here and now. That’s what I say about a striker. I don’t doubt [Sesko] as a player, but United need experience in attack.”
“They have Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Chido [Ogboe] – young, inexperienced players. They need someone they can look at and say, ‘This is how you play as a striker.’ When you buy someone without enough experience, there is a risk. Is it worth it to have more inexperienced players at this level?”
Ferdinand suggests Baleba
While suggesting a transfer for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a safer choice, Ferdinand continued:
“If I don’t get a striker, I’ll go for a midfielder. There’s only one name I can think of, that fits perfectly with what we need… An Amorim-type player. Physically strong, can drive the ball, tactically solid, good energy, Premier League experience. Brighton star Carlos Baleba.”
“He’s the one I want. He is my husband. He’s the one I want to get. I will spend all the money on him.”
Ferdinand concluded by discussing the pros and cons of signing either an expensive striker or a reliable midfielder:
“If I got money for the four players who are no longer wanted, would I either bring in a striker or Baleba? Would I bring in a striker who is young and inexperienced, or Baleba with Premier League experience? I choose Baleba.”
“I think he will have a huge impact on this team. He frees up others in midfield to have less defensive responsibility, because he can do everything.”
Manchester United
, meanwhile, have been urged to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as their new striker, despite preparing a bid for another French striker and ongoing talks about Sesko.
United also have concrete interest in Randal Kolo Muani and are working to sign the Paris Saint-Germain striker, with claims that he could be left for a greatly reduced price.
On the Newcastle side, it seems to be a matter of time before they receive a concrete offer from Liverpool for Isak.
