The highly anticipated summer transfer window continues to deliver thrilling sagas, with the battle for RB Leipzig’s prodigious striker, Benjamin Sesko, intensifying. Both Premier League giants Manchester United and Newcastle United are locked in a fierce pursuit for the talented forward, whose future at the German club remains uncertain following a significant rejected bid.
Sesko, who transitioned to Leipzig from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023, has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. His impressive tally of 27 Bundesliga goals across two seasons has not only cemented his reputation but also attracted widespread admiration from top clubs across the continent.
Manchester United has long been linked with the Slovenian international, viewing him as a key long-term target to bolster their attacking options. Reports suggest that Sesko himself is keen on a move to Old Trafford, having been made aware of the Red Devils’ comprehensive long-term plans for his development and integration into the squad.
However, Newcastle United has emerged as a formidable contender in this transfer race, actively pushing to secure the striker’s services. The Magpies are reportedly preparing for the potential departure of Alexander Isak this summer, making the acquisition of a proven goal-scorer like Sesko a strategic priority for Eddie Howe’s side.
Leipzig, keen to maximize their asset, has set a clear valuation for Sesko. They have communicated to interested clubs that an initial fee of £65.5 million, coupled with substantial add-ons and a sell-on clause, would be required to facilitate the striker’s departure from the Bundesliga.
Despite this clear stance, Newcastle recently tabled a bid that fell short of Leipzig’s expectations. Their offer of £65.5 million plus just over £4 million in add-ons was deemed insufficient by the German club, highlighting the significant financial demands involved in securing the highly-rated forward.
Adding to the intrigue, Sesko was notably absent from Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta, which saw his team defeated 2-1. While his manager, Marco Rose, remained tight-lipped about the transfer developments, this absence has only fueled speculation surrounding the striker’s imminent future.
