Manchester United have submitted a formal offer to RB Leipzig for the highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, according to The Athletic. The proposed deal, valued at €75 million (£65.5m) with an additional €10 million in add-ons, reflects United’s valuation of the 22-year-old forward and their belief that Sesko favors a move to Old Trafford. However, RB Leipzig have yet to respond to the bid, and Newcastle United are also aggressively pursuing the talented striker, as they look to find a potential replacement for Alexander Isak.
Manchester United’s Pursuit of Sesko
Manchester United’s interest in Sesko is part of manager Ruben Amorim’s strategy to bolster the club’s attacking options ahead of the new season. With Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund struggling for consistency, Amorim has identified Sesko as a top target to lead the line and help United challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Slovenian’s physical attributes—standing at 6ft 4in with pace and technical ability—have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, making him an attractive long-term investment for the Red Devils.
United’s recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg, is reportedly driving the interest. Vivell’s familiarity with the player and his belief in Sesko’s potential to become one of the world’s top strikers have made this a priority move for United. The club’s financial position, bolstered by recent sales and wage savings from Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona, allows them to pursue Sesko without immediate player sales, though they remain open to offers for Højlund, with Leipzig exploring a potential loan deal for the Danish striker.
Over the last two league seasons, Benjamin Šeško has averaged 0.22 goals per shot. That’s a better rate than…
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 5, 2025
🇸🇪 Alexander Isak (0.21)
🏴 Harry Kane (0.20)
🇳🇴 Erling Haaland (0.18)
🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé (0.17)
🏴 Ollie Watkins (0.17)
🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah (0.14)
Clinical. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/e9p9uCzd3M
Newcastle United’s Competing Bid
Newcastle United are not standing still in this transfer race. The Magpies have already tabled an improved offer of at least €80 million (£69.7m) plus add-ons, following positive talks with Leipzig and Sesko’s representatives. Their initial bid of €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons was rejected due to its structure, but Newcastle’s determination to secure Sesko underscores their ambition to replace Alexander Isak, who is reportedly pushing for a move to Liverpool after a rejected £110 million bid.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko is driven by manager Eddie Howe’s desire to sign “the best players” to establish the club as Champions League regulars. With Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham and limited striker options, Sesko represents a ready-made solution to bolster their attack. Reports from Slovenia suggested Sesko had chosen Newcastle, but trusted sources, including Fabrizio Romano, have dismissed these claims, stating the player has yet to make a final decision.
