Newcastle set to hijack Benjamin Sesko deal as Man Utd left reeling by transfer twist

The competition to sign Benjamin Sesko is intensifying, with Newcastle United currently leading the pursuit for the RB Leipzig striker. The club has been linked with a significant financial boost this summer, as speculation mounts over Alexander Isak’s potential departure from St. James’ Park. Isak, who is valued around £150 million, could command a huge fee if he moves, potentially strengthening Newcastle’s hand in the transfer market during what has otherwise been a disappointing window for manager Eddie Howe.

Newcastle initially targeted Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt as a priority signing, but the French forward turned down their offer in favor of Liverpool, who had tabled a £79 million bid. The situation escalated when Liverpool reportedly delivered an ultimatum to Newcastle, insisting that unless Isak was sold to them, they would pursue Ekitike instead. However, circumstances shifted, with Liverpool now appearing poised to sign both Ekitike and Isak, after the Swedish striker requested to leave Newcastle and agreed terms with the Merseyside club.

With Isak’s likely exit, Newcastle have made Sesko, rated at £70 million, their top target to lead the attack. The 22-year-old Slovenian international has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for RB Leipzig and has been recognized as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers since emerging at RB Salzburg in 2021.

Manchester United remain keen on Sesko as well, seeking to reinforce their forward line following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, who joined this summer from Wolves and Brentford for a combined £133.5 million. These signings have left United with limited transfer funds, but there is reported optimism within the club that Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Newcastle, provided they can finance the deal.

Despite the lure of Champions League football in the north east, United view the current valuation for Sesko as steep. Their pursuit may require selling players to generate funds for the Slovenian striker, a move complicated by their recent efforts to trim costs. Only Marcus Rashford has departed so far, and that was a loan move to Barcelona, which only eased the wage bill rather than adding substantial transfer funds.

Manchester United’s hesitancy to invest heavily in Sesko could also be influenced by their reported interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The club is currently evaluating its options as the summer transfer window unfolds, weighing their admiration for Watkins against the potential impact and cost of securing Sesko’s signature.