RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko, is reportedly edging closer to a summer move, with Manchester United and Newcastle United battling it out for his signature as reports emerge of an ‘agreement in principle’.
Both Premier League sides have prioritized the Slovenian international in their hunt for a striker.
Manchester United are particularly eager to strengthen their frontline, having seen Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combine for only seven league goals in the 2024/25 season.
With just four teams scoring fewer than the Red Devils last campaign, new manager Ruben Amorim has already moved to address the issue with early signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Newcastle are also on the hunt for attacking reinforcements, especially with increasing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future.
Reports suggested the Swedish striker has informed the Magpies of his intention to leave, with Liverpool circling.
The Reds have already swooped in for Hugo Ekitike this summer, prompting Newcastle to intensify their pursuit of Sesko.
According to journalist Nicola Schira, Newcastle have reached a preliminary agreement with Sesko.
He posted on X, “Benjamin Sesko has an agreement in principle with Newcastle for a contract until 2030. NUFC are now working to reach a deal with Leipzig.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United are still weighing their options. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano offered insight into their stance, saying on his YouTube channel, “Manchester United are still discussing Benjamin Sesko internally. It’s an expensive deal so it’s not easy, but don’t forget the gentleman agreement I told you. For some clubs indicated by Benjamin Sesko as special clubs for him, the price of the Sesko package is 70-80 million euros fixed fee plus 5-10 million euros in add-ons.”
Despite Newcastle’s advanced talks, German journalist Guido Schafer (via the Evening Standard) reports that Sesko has expressed a preference for Manchester United over their Premier League rivals.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has added that both clubs remain in discussions with the player’s representatives.
He noted on X, “Manchester United and Newcastle are currently in talks with Benjamin #Sesko‘s management. Both teams have presented their projects and financial offers. #MUFC The decision now lies mainly with the player and his camp. Offers are expected to be formally submitted to RB Leipzig following the verbal agreement. However, #NUFC pushing a lot.”
However, not everyone is convinced that Sesko is the right fit for Manchester United at this moment.
Club legend, Rio Ferdinand, voiced concerns over the striker’s relative inexperience. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “I think you’ve got to look at the here and now at the moment with Man United. That’s what I said about a No 9.”
As the tug-of-war continues, the final decision appears to rest with Sesko and his camp, with both clubs waiting to submit formal offers.