Manchester United Edges Ahead in Benjamin Sesko Transfer Race
Manchester United's pursuit of Benjamin Sesko has kicked into another gear, with early talks underway between Old Trafford chiefs and RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward has made it clear he wants the red shirt, putting United in pole position and leaving Newcastle United trailing despite their aggressive efforts.
Newcastle did everything but roll out the red carpet. They reportedly agreed to match Leipzig’s hefty €80-90 million asking price, promised to cover agent fees, and lined up a lucrative five-year deal for Sesko. Still, it wasn’t enough to entice the striker, who remains cool on the idea of joining the Magpies. United, for their part, aren’t too keen on matching that steep valuation. Instead, they hope to talk Leipzig into a more reasonable figure, using their pedigree and Sesko’s own preferences as bargaining chips.
The numbers here are eye-watering. RB Leipzig see Sesko as one of their crown jewels—a rising talent, fast, strong, with an eye for goal, and reportedly nicknamed 'the Beast'. United see him as the missing piece in their forward line, providing the firepower needed for a real push next season. But €80-90 million is a serious investment for a club balancing hefty transfer ambitions and recent struggles on the pitch.
What Sesko's Move Means for United's Attack
If the deal comes off, Sesko’s arrival could set off a domino effect in United’s attacking options. Rasmus Højlund, once seen as the club’s next big hope, has struggled to find consistent form and now faces increased competition. Italian giants Napoli and Juventus are already circling, monitoring Højlund’s situation. The addition of another young starlet might just convince them United could be open to selling the Dane—a player who arrived at the club with such expectation only last year.
While United put their energy into the Sesko deal, they haven't ignored other options. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who fits the ‘Premier League proven’ mold, was discussed as a cheaper and less risky target. However, Villa have slammed the door shut, insisting their 29-year-old talisman isn’t for sale at any price. That’s left United back at the negotiating table with Leipzig, hoping their offer and the club’s stature can swing things in their favor.
For Newcastle, Sesko’s rejection is a tough blow. Despite their ambitious project and new financial firepower, they’re finding out the hard way that history, Champions League dreams, and personal preference still count for a lot in the transfer market. Their move for Sesko is all but dead, and they’ll need to shift focus before the window closes.
The transfer landscape around Sesko is a snapshot of modern European football—big money, ambitious sporting projects, and players looking for both sporting challenge and continental glory. Manchester United are banking on their name and their project being enough to win Sesko’s signature as they look to put past frustrations behind them and move back to the top of the game.