The absence of highly-coveted striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig’s recent friendly squad has ignited a fierce transfer battle, with Manchester United and Newcastle United now firmly in a tug-of-war for the £70 million-rated Slovenian international.
Manchester United’s strategic financial maneuvers position them strongly in the pursuit of Sesko. Despite actively seeking to offload several players before the summer transfer window closes, the Old Trafford club possesses significant scope to acquire a new striker without immediate sales, showcasing their calculated approach to squad reinforcement.
Recent financial injections have bolstered United’s transfer chest. The season-long loan of Marcus Rashford cleared a substantial £12 million from their annual wage bill, with the club fully covering his salary. Additionally, strategic sell-on clauses, including Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United, along with deals for Alvaro Fernandez and Maxi Oyedele, contributed significantly to their funds. A notable £5 million payment from another club to withdraw from the Jadon Sancho deal further enhanced their financial capacity.
Crucially, Manchester United’s unexpected failure to qualify for European competition this season, only the second instance in 35 years, provides an unforeseen advantage. This exemption means they are not currently bound by UEFA’s stringent financial fair play regulations, which limit clubs to spending no more than 70 percent of annual income on transfers and wages, granting them greater flexibility in the pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United has solidified their interest in the prodigious young striker, intensifying the competition for his signature. This renewed focus from the Magpies comes amidst their own ongoing transfer saga concerning the future of their current top scorer, Alexander Isak, adding another layer of complexity to their summer dealings as they aim to strengthen their attacking options for the upcoming Premier League season.
RB Leipzig, the current custodians of Benjamin Sesko, remain steadfast in their valuation of the Slovenian star. The Bundesliga club is determined to stand firm on their substantial £70 million asking price, signaling that any deal will involve protracted and challenging negotiations, as they aim to maximize their return on one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
The intense interest from two Premier League giants underscores Benjamin Sesko’s burgeoning reputation as a formidable talent. His potential impact on the English top flight, whether at Old Trafford or St. James’ Park, makes this one of the most compelling transfer sagas of the summer, with both clubs eager to secure a player who could define their attacking prowess for years to come.
