Soccer Football - Bundesliga - RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - May 3, 2025 RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann REUTERS/Annegret Hilse DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
Manchester United and Newcastle United have both approached the camp of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and could be set to battle for his signature. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that this week will be key for Sesko’s future as he is expected to choose his next club soon.
While Sesko has a reported value of €70m, reports circulated of a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig that allows the player to leave for less if a “special” club of Sesko’s choosing is presented. While those reports have yet to be confirmed, he is certain to depart the Bundesliga this summer.
Sesko is highly rated across Europe for his physical stature and athletic ability. He has been likened to Erling Haaland, both for his similar profile and his career path – having replaced the Norwegian at RB Salzburg.
He scored 13 Bundesliga goals for Leipzig last season and was linked heavily to Arsenal for much of the summer. The Gunners have now announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, leaving the pathway for Sesko clear.
Premier League duo keen on Sesko
Sesko is seen by many as Newcastle’s potential replacement for Alexander Isak who has informed the club he would like to leave this summer. The Magpies top goal scorer is a top target for Liverpool and is valued by the club at £150m, making any move for him extremely difficult.
Newcastle are nonetheless preparing for the possibility of life without their talisman. Sesko is appreciated as both a partner for Isak should he stay, and long term replacement should he leave. The Magpies can offer Sesko Champions League football next season, something both United and his current club Leipzig cannot.
Leipzig finished 7th in the Bundesliga while United finished 15th in the Premier League and both will not play any European football next season. Sesko could relish playing on Europe’s biggest stage.
United can offer a virtually guaranteed starring role though, with the Red Devils in search of a new No.9 to lead the line. Having already invested heavily in forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to occupy the attacking midfield roles in Amorim’s system, United are understood to be prioritizing a central striker next to replace the struggling Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkee.
Sesko would become the center piece of United’s 3-4-2-1 system, and could be keen on leading a resurgent United side.
The player’s preference is unknown at this stage, but both clubs have opened discussions with his camp and hope to agree personal terms soon. Leipzig is aware of these discussions and will leave the decision to the player as long as their terms are met.
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