JUST IN: Newcastle United’s Benjamin Sesko transfer chase takes another twist with end now in sight
Newcastle and Manchester United Go Head-to-Head for Benjamin Sesko as Transfer Saga Nears Crucial Stage
The race to sign RB Leipzig’s rising star Benjamin Sesko has reached a pivotal moment, with both Newcastle United and Manchester United making formal offers and pushing hard to conclude negotiations before the start of the new Premier League season. The next 24 hours are expected to be decisive in what has become one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of the summer.
Newcastle, eager to strengthen their attacking options and finalize their squad ahead of their league opener against Aston Villa, have signaled their intent in no uncertain terms. Manager Eddie Howe is keen to avoid any last-minute uncertainty and wants all key positions locked in well before the new campaign kicks off in under two weeks. The Magpies have already made two formal bids for the highly sought-after 22-year-old striker, with their most recent offer pushing close to the £80 million mark.
According to sources, Newcastle’s current proposal stands at around €90 million [£78.4m], inclusive of performance-based add-ons. This reflects the club’s determination to land a marquee forward and inject further firepower into their attack as they aim to build on their recent resurgence under Howe. However, their earlier bid was turned down by RB Leipzig, with the German club reportedly requesting a more front-loaded payment structure. In response, Newcastle revised their offer and are now willing to pay £69.7 million upfront, with an additional £8.7 million in bonuses tied to appearances, goals, and achievements.
As Newcastle waited for a breakthrough, Manchester United entered the fray with a late move of their own. The Red Devils submitted a competing offer worth €85 million [£74 million] on Tuesday afternoon, slightly below Newcastle’s bid but still substantial enough to be taken seriously. Erik ten Hag has been monitoring Sesko for some time, viewing the Slovenian forward as a long-term investment and potential star at Old Trafford.
Despite both offers now sitting on Leipzig’s desk, the Bundesliga side has yet to make a formal decision. Club insiders suggest that Leipzig may ultimately allow the player himself to choose between the two destinations. It is understood that Sesko is open to joining either club, appreciating the opportunity to play in the Premier League and compete at the highest level.
Whichever club wins the race for Sesko will likely trigger a domino effect in the striker market. In particular, Newcastle’s pursuit of the RB Leipzig forward is closely linked to the future of their current frontman, Alexander Isak. The Swedish international has been linked with a possible exit amid interest from top European clubs, including Liverpool. However, the Magpies are reluctant to entertain offers for Isak unless they have already secured a high-profile replacement—such as Sesko.
For now, Isak remains with the Newcastle squad and was spotted at the club’s Benton training base earlier this week. He is currently undergoing treatment for a minor thigh problem but is expected to rejoin full training soon. Liverpool, meanwhile, have yet to return with an improved bid for the striker, and other potential suitors appear to have cooled their interest, further complicating any exit scenarios.
Newcastle’s preparations continue at pace, with the senior squad set to resume training at Darsley Park on Wednesday. They are also gearing up for a pre-season double-header at St James’ Park this weekend—a final opportunity for Howe to fine-tune his lineup before the serious business begins.
By the time the Magpies take to the field again, the future of Benjamin Sesko may finally be resolved. The coming hours are expected to determine whether the Slovenian talent becomes the centerpiece of Newcastle’s frontline rebuild—or if Manchester United succeed in hijacking the deal at the eleventh hour. Either way, the conclusion of this high-stakes tug-of-war could significantly shape the Premier League landscape for the 2025/26 season.