RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has reportedly made a pivotal decision in favor of Manchester United over Newcastle United, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming on August 5, 2025, that United’s confidence in securing the 22-year-old Slovenian is growing stronger. Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that United believe Sesko “only wants to join Manchester United,” prompting the club to submit a formal €85 million (£73.9 million) bid, including add-ons, to Leipzig on Monday. This follows Newcastle’s club-record €90 million (£78.3 million) offer, which includes €80 million upfront and €10 million in add-ons, but Sesko’s preference for Old Trafford appears to be the decisive factor in the ongoing transfer saga.[](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1952826409380114497)[](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-united-transfer-news-live-32189663)[](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2025/08/transfer-news-benjamin-sesko-agrees-terms-man-utd-newcastle-fabrizio-romano)
Sesko, who scored 18 goals in 42 games for Leipzig in the 2024-25 season and has 16 goals in 41 caps for Slovenia, is seen as a key target for both clubs. Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, aim to bolster their attack after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s combined 17 goals last season fell short, with new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo set to play as attacking midfielders. Newcastle, meanwhile, are seeking a replacement for Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move to Liverpool following a rejected £110 million bid. Despite Newcastle’s ability to offer Champions League football and a higher financial package, Sesko’s inclination toward United’s project, driven by recruitment director Christopher Vivell’s prior ties with the player at Leipzig, has given the Red Devils an edge.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/benjamin-sesko-picks-man-utd-fabrizio-romano-damning-newcastle-verdict)[](https://utddistrict.co.uk/the-fight-is-ongoing-fabrizio-romano-gives-benjamin-sesko-transfer-update-amid-newcastle-united-offer/29/07/2025/)[](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/benjamin-sesko-man-united-transfer-32130587)
Romano emphasized that Sesko’s agent is in Leipzig, signaling “decision time” as the striker weighs his options, with United’s bid a clear statement of intent to compete financially with Newcastle. The Magpies issued a 48-hour ultimatum on August 4, pressing for a response, but Leipzig rejected their initial offer as “insufficient,” seeking a higher add-on structure and a sell-on clause. United’s proposal, though €5 million less, benefits from Sesko’s reported preference, with sources indicating he’s open to joining United despite their lack of European football. The deal hinges on a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leipzig, allowing a transfer for €70-80 million plus €5-10 million in add-ons if Sesko favors a “special club” like United.[](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1952478532292272442)[](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/man-utd-transfer-news-benjamin-sesko-newcastle-fabrizio-romano)[](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2025/08/man-utd-transfer-news-fabrizio-romano-benjamin-sesko-newcastle-ultimatum)
With the Premier League season nearing—United face Arsenal and Newcastle take on West Ham on August 17—Sesko’s decision is expected imminently, likely within days, as Romano predicts the saga won’t drag until the window’s close. United’s proactive move, including an official contract proposal to Sesko, contrasts with Newcastle’s aggressive financial push, but the player’s choice remains paramount. If Sesko opts for United, it could leave Newcastle scrambling, while United risk exposure if he chooses the Magpies, having gone all-in on the Slovenian over alternatives like Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. The transfer battle’s outcome will shape both clubs’ attacking prospects for the 2025-26 campaign.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/transfer-news-fabrizio-romano-says-man-utd-offered-110-goal-serie-a-striker-bulldozer-sesko-plan-b)[](https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/fabrizio_romano_provides_update_on_benjamin_sesko_transfer_man_utd_made_clear/s1_17664_42536897)[](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/transfer-news/fabrizio-romano-says-benjamin-sesko-transfer-saga-reaching-decision-time-man-utd-make-new-contact/)
