Newcastle and United locked in battle for new striker

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has quickly become one of the most sought-after names in the current transfer window, with both Newcastle United and Manchester United locked in a battle for his signature.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle are pushing hard to bring in the 22-year-old Slovenian as a potential successor to Alexander Isak, who is being monitored by several top European clubs and could be on the move before the end of the summer.

Earlier reports suggested that Newcastle were close to securing a personal agreement with Sesko and his representatives, and the deal looked to be progressing smoothly. However, recent developments have complicated the situation, with Manchester United now making a strong push to hijack the move. Sesko, aware of the growing interest from Old Trafford, has reportedly become more cautious and is carefully weighing his options before committing to either club.

Manchester United’s renewed focus on Sesko comes after the club explored multiple alternatives for the striker position. Targets such as Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen, and Dusan Vlahovic were all considered, but none of those options proved viable due to a mix of high transfer fees, personal terms, and strategic mismatches. With those paths now closed, the Red Devils have shifted their attention squarely to Sesko, who is expected to cost around €70 million a figure that both clubs appear willing to meet.

Both Newcastle and United are actively negotiating with Sesko’s camp. The final decision will ultimately rest with the player, who must assess which project aligns best with his ambitions and playing style. Newcastle are offering the prospect of becoming the team’s primary striker, likely stepping into the role currently occupied by Isak if the Swede departs. In contrast, a move to Manchester United would place Sesko in direct competition with Rasmus Højlund, though the Slovenian may be intrigued by the club’s history, global profile, and ambitions under Erik ten Hag.

United’s tactical plans also play a part. Reports suggest that new Sporting Director Dan Ashworth and manager Erik ten Hag see Sesko as the type of striker who can combine physical presence with pace, finishing ability, and potential for growth traits that suit the club’s long-term goals. Meanwhile, manager Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with the role at United or is reportedly advising on certain recruitment targets, is said to have doubts about Joshua Zirkzee’s suitability as a true number nine, which may open the door even wider for Sesko.

Adding further intrigue is the situation with Marcus Rashford, who is capable of playing centrally but has struggled for form and consistency. Rashford has reportedly been loaned to Barcelona, reducing United’s depth in attack and reinforcing the club’s need for a top-class striker.

Sesko, who has already played 87 official matches for RB Leipzig and scored 39 goals, continues to build on his impressive development since leaving Red Bull Salzburg. He also had a stint with FC Liefering, Salzburg’s feeder club, before making the jump to top-tier football. Last summer, he had already attracted considerable interest from clubs across Europe, but ultimately decided to extend his contract with Leipzig until 2029 and stay at the Bundesliga club for at least one more season. That decision now looks likely to change, with both English clubs circling and the player facing a career-defining choice.

Leipzig, for their part, are reportedly open to a sale at the right price. With the Bundesliga side known for nurturing talent and selling at peak value, Sesko’s departure could fund further investment in their squad, continuing their well-known model of sustainable development.

The outcome of the Sesko saga could have a major ripple effect across the Premier League. Should Newcastle succeed in landing the Slovenian, it may signal that Isak is indeed on his way out, with interest from Arsenal and PSG already on the table. If United win the race, it could further solidify Ten Hag’s efforts to rebuild the team around a youthful core and bring long-needed depth to a position that has often caused frustration at Old Trafford since the post-Ferguson era began.

With weeks still left in the transfer window, this is a battle far from over. But one thing is clear: Benjamin Sesko is no longer just a promising talent he is a central figure in one of the most pivotal transfer stories of the summer.