Newcastle United have intensified their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, tabling a club-record €90 million (£78 million) bid, comprising €84 million upfront and €6 million in add-ons, as reported by Teamtalk on August 4, 2025. The Magpies, desperate to secure a replacement for Alexander Isak amid a £110 million bid from Liverpool, have given the 22-year-old Slovenian a 48-hour ultimatum to decide his future, according to talkSPORT. Manchester United, also in the race, are preparing a counter-offer of €84 million (£73.1 million), but Sesko’s preference for Old Trafford, as noted by German football expert Jan-Aage Fjortoft, could complicate Newcastle’s plans.
Sesko, who scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga games last season despite Leipzig’s seventh-place finish, has been a long-term target for both clubs. His 6-foot-5 frame, 35.69 km/h sprint speed, and comparisons to Erling Haaland make him a prime candidate to lead Newcastle’s attack, especially with only Will Osula as a recognized first-team striker after Callum Wilson’s departure. Newcastle’s bid surpasses their £63 million record for Isak in 2022, reflecting their urgency as Liverpool’s interest in Isak persists, despite a rejected offer. United’s pursuit, led by director Christopher Vivell’s prior ties to Sesko at Salzburg and Leipzig, includes discussions of a potential loan for Rasmus Hojlund to Leipzig, adding complexity to negotiations.
The ultimatum underscores Newcastle’s frustration after missing out on targets like Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap, and James Trafford this summer. Manager Eddie Howe, speaking in Seoul on August 2, emphasized the club’s focus on “quality over quantity,” but remained tight-lipped on Sesko, saying, “I can’t talk about individual targets.” Reports from Slovenia’s Delo suggested Sesko had chosen Newcastle, citing a “significant increase in personal terms,” but The Athletic’s David Ornstein clarified that Sesko has not finalized his decision, keeping United in contention. Leipzig’s openness to a deal, with a gentleman’s agreement allowing Sesko’s departure for €80-90 million, hinges on the payment structure and a sell-on clause.
With the transfer window closing on August 30, 2025, Sesko’s decision will shape both clubs’ seasons. Newcastle’s Champions League qualification and financial backing from their Saudi owners contrast with United’s rebuilding project under Ruben Amorim, who has already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. As Newcastle prepare for their Premier League opener against West Ham and United face Everton, the race for Sesko’s signature is reaching a critical juncture, with the 48-hour deadline adding pressure to a transfer saga that could redefine their attacking lineups.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/transfer-news-submit-formal-benjamin-sesko-bid-newcastle-battle-crucial-phase)[](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/32461/13407078/benjamin-sesko-transfer-news-newcastle-make-improved-bid-for-rb-leipzig-forward)[](https://www.football365.com/news/newcastle-sesko-transfer-ultimatum-reason-no-man-utd-bid-revealed)
