Manchester United’s belief that Benjamin Sesko wants to join them has grown exponentially, with the club increasingly confident they are the striker’s preferred destination despite Newcastle’s higher financial offer. The Red Devils have submitted a formal bid and contract proposal to the RB Leipzig star, setting the stage for what could be one of the summer’s most significant transfer coups.
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United’s Growing Confidence Reaches New Heights
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United’s “feeling from earlier today is even stronger tonight” regarding Benjamin Sesko’s desire to join the club, with sources indicating “the club believes Benjamin Sesko only wants to join Manchester United”. This remarkable development comes despite Newcastle United submitting a higher bid for the Slovenian international.
Manchester United have made a bid worth just under £74m (€85m) for Benjamin Sesko, structured as an initial £65m plus around £8.9m in performance-related add-ons. While this falls short of Newcastle’s improved offer, the preference factor appears to be working strongly in United’s favor.
The Financial Battle: Quality Over Quantity
Newcastle made a second bid of £69.7m plus add-ons, which was higher than Manchester United’s total package, yet this hasn’t deterred the Old Trafford hierarchy. Sources have revealed that United made it clear to Sesko’s representatives that they are “aware of the size of deal that would be required to land him and that they would not have entered into talks without that consideration”.
The strategic approach from United reflects a measured confidence that goes beyond mere financial muscle. Sky Sports News understands there is now a growing feeling Sesko wants to join Manchester United over rival bidders Newcastle, with discussions heading in a positive direction.
Sesko’s Current Situation at Leipzig
The 22-year-old striker has already begun distancing himself from his current club. Sesko was absent from RB Leipzig’s pre-season friendly loss to Atalanta on Saturday due to his expected departure from the club, with the striker having told his teammates that he will be leaving. Additionally, he has been training indoors away from the main squad at Leipzig’s training complex.
Sesko has a great relationship with RB Leipzig and is being totally respectful to them, wanting to ensure if he leaves, he does so on good terms. He is ready to fly to the UK once an agreement is struck.
The Christopher Vivell Connection
United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko isn’t merely opportunistic – it represents a long-term strategic vision. The interest in Sesko is being driven by recruitment director Christopher Vivell, who is widely credited for scouting Sesko for Red Bull Salzburg when he was 16. This historical connection provides United with unique insights into the player’s character and development trajectory.
Vivell believes Sesko has the maturity required to play for Manchester United, with the club considering him as a striker option through ongoing internal discussions. This personal relationship could prove decisive in the final negotiations.
Transfer Structure and Negotiations
RB Leipzig are now internally discussing and evaluating the Newcastle and Manchester United offers and their structures, according to Sky Germany. The German club is using recent high-profile transfers as benchmarks for their valuation.
Sky Sports News has been reporting that Leipzig are expected to use Hugo Ekitike’s transfer fee as a benchmark in negotiations for Sesko, with Ekitike joining Liverpool for an initial £69m plus £10m in add-ons. This provides a clear framework for the ongoing discussions.
Transfer Comparison Table
| Club | Total Bid | Structure | Player Preference | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | £74m (€85m) | £65m + £8.9m add-ons | Preferred destination | Official bid submitted |
| Newcastle United | £75m+ | £69.7m + add-ons | Open to move | Higher bid rejected |
| RB Leipzig | – | €80-100m valuation | Willing to sell | Evaluating offers |
Impact on Current Squad Dynamics
The potential arrival of Benjamin Sesko raises questions about the future of current United striker Rasmus Hojlund. Manchester United’s pursuit of Sesko raises questions over Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford, with the club understood to be listening to suitable offers for the striker.
Interestingly, Leipzig are interested in Hojlund and have explored the conditions of a loan, with Leipzig having proposed taking the striker on loan as part of any possible deal for Sesko. However, a scenario where both players coexist at United hasn’t been ruled out entirely.
Sesko’s Premier League Credentials
The Slovenia international brings impressive credentials to any potential Premier League move. Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig since joining from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago, demonstrating consistent goal-scoring ability at the highest level.
Sesko scored 21 goals and had six assists in all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, showcasing his ability to perform on Europe’s biggest stage – an attribute that will be crucial for United’s ambitions.
Benjamin Sesko Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | RB Leipzig | 45 | 21 | 6 | 3,420 |
| 2023/24 | RB Leipzig | 42 | 18 | 2 | 2,890 |
| Career Total | RB Leipzig | 87 | 39 | 8 | 6,310 |
The Newcastle Factor
Despite Newcastle’s higher financial offer, United appear to hold the psychological advantage. Newcastle have been internally concerned that if Manchester United come to the table, Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford, according to sources close to the situation.
He is open to both moves and it is not that he is against Newcastle – but if it came to the two, Manchester United would be the choice. This preference could prove decisive in the coming days.
Market Dynamics and Timeline
It feels, from the noises being heard, that Leipzig will leave it up to the player to decide, with more negotiations expected to come. This player-centric approach favors United given the apparent preference factor.
Manchester United have “forwarded an official contract proposal to Sesko while also keep negotiating with RB Leipzig”, demonstrating their proactive approach to securing the deal.
Strategic Implications for United’s Future
The pursuit of Benjamin Sesko represents more than just a single transfer – it signals United’s commitment to rebuilding their attacking infrastructure with young, dynamic talent. At 22, Sesko represents the ideal age profile for a long-term investment that could define United’s forward line for years to come.
By targeting Sesko, Manchester United are continuing a theme of trying to add pace to their attack this summer having already signed Bryan Mbeumo, creating a cohesive attacking strategy built around pace and dynamism.
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FAQs
How much are Manchester United offering for Benjamin Sesko?
Manchester United have bid just under £74m (€85m) structured as an initial £65m plus around £8.9m in performance-related add-ons.
Why does Sesko prefer Manchester United over Newcastle despite a lower bid?
Sources indicate Sesko views Old Trafford as his preferred destination, with the club’s history, global profile, and long-term vision appealing more than Newcastle’s higher financial package.
What happens to Rasmus Hojlund if Sesko joins?
United are listening to offers for Hojlund, with Leipzig interested in a loan deal. However, both players could potentially coexist in United’s squad.
When could the transfer be completed?
Sesko is ready to fly to the UK once an agreement is struck between the clubs, suggesting a deal could progress quickly once terms are finalized.
What role did Christopher Vivell play in this transfer pursuit?
United’s recruitment director Vivell originally scouted Sesko for Red Bull Salzburg when he was 16, providing United with unique insights and a personal connection that could prove decisive.
