Reports: Newcastle United Win the Race to Sign Benjamin Šeško Ahead of Manchester United
Newcastle United have reportedly emerged as the surprise winners in the battle to sign highly sought-after Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, fending off fierce competition from Premier League rivals, including Manchester United.
The 22-year-old, who currently plays for RB Leipzig, has been at the center of one of this summer’s most closely followed transfer sagas. Šeško’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, with a number of top European clubs—most notably Arsenal and Manchester United—keeping close tabs on the forward.
Initially, Arsenal were believed to be leading the chase but opted instead to pursue Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres. Manchester United then appeared to take the lead last week, with several reports suggesting that the Red Devils had intensified talks and were closing in on securing Šeško’s signature.
However, in a dramatic twist, fresh reports from Slovenia indicate that Newcastle United have now stolen a march on their rivals. According to Slovenian outlet Delo, Newcastle have successfully convinced Šeško to choose them over other suitors, with the striker said to be on the verge of making the move to Tyneside.
The report claims that the Magpies have presented a compelling vision and financial package that has swayed both the player and his representatives. The final transfer fee is expected to fall between €70 million and €80 million (approximately £61 million to £70 million), which would represent a significant investment by the club as they aim to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
British journalist Craig Hope of The Daily Mail has weighed in on the situation, noting that while he has not received confirmation of a finalized agreement, he does acknowledge that Newcastle have stepped up their pursuit significantly in recent days. According to Hope, the club made a detailed presentation to Šeško’s camp, outlining their long-term project, ambitions for European competition, and plans for the striker to play a central role in Eddie Howe’s squad.
Sources close to the deal suggest Newcastle are now confident they have done enough to land their man, with the club reportedly optimistic about concluding negotiations soon. The signing of Šeško would mark a major coup for the Tyneside outfit, who continue to build a squad capable of challenging the Premier League elite.
While fans will still have to wait for official confirmation, the momentum appears to be firmly in Newcastle’s favor. If the deal is completed, Šeško would become one of the club’s most expensive acquisitions in history and a statement signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Stay tuned as the story develops and Newcastle United aim to finalize what could be one of the marquee transfers of the summer.