Transfer Saga: Benjamin Sesko’s Future in Flux as Manchester United and Newcastle Compete

Manchester United have officially moved to secure the Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig with a bid of £73.8 million, which includes an initial offer of £65.1 million plus £8.7 million in add-ons. This bid notably surpasses a previous offer Newcastle United tabled, which totaled £78.2 million.

In response, betting markets for Sesko’s transfer suspended all wagers on the player moving either to United or Newcastle. A spokesperson confirmed that United, once odds-on favorites, is now no longer accepting bets, amid the ongoing transfer negotiations. The club has already strengthened their attacking options with recent signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, indicating a strategic push to bolster their squad.

The 22-year-old forward is considering his options, with Leipzig yet to respond officially to United’s bid. Sesko, who scored 21 goals last season and has a total of 39 goals across 87 appearances for Leipzig since 2023, is expected to decide his future soon, possibly influenced by his preference to join United.

Meanwhile, Newcastle had made early attempts to acquire Sesko but only entered official negotiations on Tuesday. The Magpies aim to replace Alexander Isak, who is eager to join Liverpool, after their initial £110 million bid for the Swede was rejected. Liverpool, also interested in Isak, is unlikely to submit a new bid until Newcastle finalizes its deal.

United’s interest in Sesko is driven by their need for a prolific striker, especially after losing out on other targets like Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, and Viktor Gyokeres. The club’s recruitment team is working tirelessly to finalize signings before the transfer window closes, with Sesko remaining a priority despite recent arrivals of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Diego Leon.

Manchester United have reportedly made their first bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko

Ruben Amorim is determined to sign a new forward and has identified Sesko as his top choice