Man Utd Ready to Match Newcastle’s €80m Bid for Benjamin Sesko

Leipzig striker sparks Premier League tug-of-war as Red Devils join race to land the Slovenian sensation

Manchester United have officially entered the race to sign one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers, Benjamin Šeško, with reports suggesting the Red Devils are preparing to match Newcastle United’s €80 million bid. The transfer saga has heated up considerably over the weekend, with RB Leipzig now at the center of what could quickly become a full-blown Premier League bidding war.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle fired the first shot. The Magpies lodged an €80m bid with €5m of that figure in potential add-ons, attempting to steal a march on their rivals. However, RB Leipzig weren’t impressed—not by the amount, but by the structure of the offer. The Bundesliga club swiftly rejected it, citing concerns about how and when the money would actually arrive.

Manchester United, long-time admirers of Benjamin Sesko, have yet to formalize their own bid. However, according to Sky Germany and journalist Ben Jacobs, United have informed Leipzig that they’re more than willing to match the €80m total if it means keeping pace with their Premier League rivals. Informal talks have been ongoing throughout the weekend, with all signs pointing to an official bid being just around the corner—pending the player’s go-ahead.

Benjamin Sesko

THE BIGGER PICTURE

RB Leipzig are in no rush. They know what they have in Benjamin Sesko: a 21-year-old striker with tremendous physicality, aerial prowess, and a knack for big goals in big moments. In fact, Leipzig are in a strong position—contractually and strategically. They’re happy to hold on to the Slovenian for another season unless someone meets their terms, and they see this interest from Newcastle and United as a perfect opportunity to drive the price higher.

This isn’t Leipzig’s first rodeo. They’ve sold the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Naby Keïta, and Christopher Nkunku for sizeable fees in recent years. If there’s one thing the Red Bull model knows how to do, it’s turn elite talent into serious money.

United’s entry into the chase complicates things for Newcastle. Having failed to qualify for the Champions League this season, the Magpies are desperate to bolster their frontline and make a statement of intent after a relatively quiet window so far. They’ve already lost out on James Trafford to Manchester City and Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle themselves—missing out on Benjamin Sesko would be another blow.

UNITED’S STRIKER PUZZLE

Manchester United, meanwhile, have been seeking a reliable long-term partner—or even successor—for Rasmus Højlund. While the Danish forward showed flashes of brilliance last season, Erik ten Hag’s side clearly lacked firepower, especially when injuries and fatigue took their toll during the latter half of the campaign.

Sesko fits the profile. He’s young, still developing, but already has the physical and technical tools to thrive in the Premier League. With 14 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season—many of them from the bench—he’s shown he can deliver even without being the main man. That’s exactly the kind of depth and competition United need up front.

Benjamin Sesko

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Now, it all hinges on the player himself. Benjamin Sesko is expected to make a final decision within days. Leipzig are happy to let him go if the right deal is in place, and both clubs are already polishing their financial packages in anticipation of his choice.

According to sources close to the deal, if Benjamin Sesko gives Manchester United the green light, their bid will follow swiftly—and could be structured in a way that makes it more attractive to Leipzig than Newcastle’s initial attempt.

That said, Newcastle haven’t given up. The Tyneside club reportedly returned to the negotiating table this weekend with a new payment structure, hoping to make their offer more palatable to the Bundesliga side. Club officials believe they’re still in pole position—but they’re aware that United’s brand, history, and resurgence under Ten Hag are powerful factors.

A TEST OF PROJECTS

For Benjamin Sesko, this is more than just a financial decision. It’s about trajectory, playing style, and trust in a club’s vision. Does he join Newcastle’s ambitious but still-developing project? Or does he opt for Manchester United, a club still searching for consistency but with global reach and a manager who knows how to develop young attackers?

This moment might define the next five years of his career.

DID YOU KNOW?

Benjamin Sesko is the youngest Slovenian to score in a competitive UEFA match and made his senior national team debut at just 18. A product of the Red Bull Salzburg academy—like Erling Haaland—he has often been compared to the Norwegian for his physique and goal-scoring instincts. Standing at 6’5” (195 cm), he combines height with a surprising turn of pace, making him a nightmare for defenders in transition play.

He was on the radar of several clubs last year, including Chelsea and AC Milan, but chose to stay in Germany to continue his development. Now, it seems, he’s ready for the next step.

WHAT THEY SAID

Ben Jacobs, speaking about the situation, said:

“Talks have been continuous over the weekend. Manchester United are very much in this and see Benjamin Sesko as a priority if the financials align. They believe the player is intrigued by both projects but has long admired United.”

Meanwhile, a Leipzig club source reportedly told Sky Germany:

“We’re not against a sale—but only on our terms. We want clarity quickly. There are other positions we must reinforce before the season starts.”

CONCLUSION

With the transfer window ticking down and the stakes rising, Benjamin Sesko’s future is the subject of intense scrutiny. Will it be Manchester? Will it be Newcastle? Or will Leipzig slam the door shut and convince him to stay for another campaign?

One thing’s for sure: both Premier League giants are ready to pay big. Now it’s up to the player to decide where he wants to write the next chapter of his story.