Manchester United and Newcastle United are locked in a high-stakes transfer battle over RB Leipzig’s rising star, Benjamin Sesko, as both clubs look to sharpen their attacking edge ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports from German outlet Bild confirm the Red Devils have launched a formal €85 million bid for the Slovenian striker, matching Newcastle’s earlier offer which included bonus clauses.
The 22-year-old Sesko, who found the net 13 times and registered five assists last season for Leipzig, is now the focus of intense transfer speculation after being omitted from a weekend friendly fixture, a clear signal that a deal could be imminent. Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schaefer acknowledged the move, citing “very concrete interests” from multiple clubs as the reason for Sesko’s absence.
Manchester United’s interest in Sesko is part of a broader rebuilding campaign after a dismal season that saw the club finish well below expectations and fall short in the Europa League final against Tottenham. Having already acquired Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the current window, United appear intent on overhauling their forward line entirely.
Sesko’s arrival could have immediate consequences for existing United striker Rasmus Højlund, who has struggled to deliver since his €75 million transfer from Atalanta. Reports indicate the club is open to offloading the Danish international for as little as €35 million, a significant loss on their investment just two years ago.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are keen to bolster their attack amid concerns over the possible departure of Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar. The Magpies’ fifth-place finish last season secured them Champions League football, and club insiders see Sesko as a critical addition to ensure competitiveness on multiple fronts.
