Newcastle United have escalated their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, submitting a formal bid matching the Bundesliga club’s €75 million (£64.8 million) valuation, plus add-ons, on August 2, 2025. The move comes as Newcastle brace for the potential departure of star forward Alexander Isak, who has attracted a £110 million offer from Liverpool, rejected by the Magpies, who value him at £150 million. Manchester United, also keen on Sesko, have held exploratory talks with Leipzig and the player’s representatives, driven by recruitment director Christopher Vivell’s long-standing admiration for the 6-foot-4 forward. The transfer saga, with Sesko reportedly absent from Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta due to his imminent departure, is nearing a dramatic conclusion as the August 30 deadline looms.
Sesko, who scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga games in 2024-25 despite Leipzig’s disappointing third-place finish, has been a long-term target for both clubs. His physicality, pace (clocking 35.69 km/h, among the Bundesliga’s top 30), and aerial dominance draw comparisons to Erling Haaland, though his finishing remains a work in progress, with critics noting he missed numerous big chances last season. Newcastle’s offer, backed by their Champions League qualification, aligns with Sesko’s reported “gentleman’s agreement” with Leipzig, allowing a move for €80-90 million (£69-78 million) to an elite club. United, however, are seen as Sesko’s preferred destination, with manager Ruben Amorim’s vision and recent signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo enhancing their appeal, despite their lack of European football in 2025-26.
The financial stakes are high for both clubs. Newcastle’s bid reflects their urgency to replace Isak, with only Will Osula as a recognized first-team striker after Callum Wilson’s departure. United, constrained by a £133.5 million summer spend, may need to offload players like Alejandro Garnacho or Jadon Sancho to fund Sesko’s transfer, with Leipzig also exploring a potential loan for United’s Rasmus Hojlund as part of negotiations. Sesko’s 39 goals and eight assists in 87 Leipzig appearances, coupled with 16 goals in 41 caps for Slovenia, underline his potential, but his underwhelming 2024-25 season has raised doubts about his readiness for the Premier League’s scrutiny.
The transfer battle hinges on Sesko’s decision, expected within days, as he weighs Newcastle’s financial package and European football against United’s storied project. Newcastle’s recent transfer setbacks, including missing out on Joao Pedro and James Trafford, add pressure to secure Sesko, while United’s persistence, bolstered by Vivell’s prior ties to Sesko at Salzburg and Leipzig, gives them an edge. As both clubs prepare for the Premier League season—Newcastle against West Ham and United against Everton on August 16—the race for Sesko’s signature promises to reshape their attacking lineups, with the Slovenian’s choice set to send ripples through the Premier League.[](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13405500/benjamin-sesko-newcastle-make-formal-bid-for-rb-leipzig-forward-with-manchester-united-also-keen-on-striker)[](https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/benjamin-sesko-man-utd-newcastle-rb-leipzig-final-decision)[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45860077/man-united-approach-leipzig-potential-sesko-deal-sources)
