Benjamin Sesko Chooses Manchester United Over Newcastle in £74M Move

The Benjamin Sesko transfer saga appears to be nearing its conclusion, with the Slovenian striker now on the brink of a move to Manchester United. The Premier League club is believed to have submitted a €85 million (£74 million) bid to RB Leipzig, which has reportedly been accepted. Despite a higher financial offer from Newcastle United—reportedly around €90 million including add-ons—Sesko has opted for Old Trafford in what could become one of the marquee signings of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Why Benjamin Sesko chose Manchester United over Newcastle

The 22-year-old forward made a bold decision to reject the lure of higher wages and a potentially greater role at Newcastle. While both bids were seriously evaluated by Leipzig, the final choice rested with Sesko—who selected Manchester United as his preferred destination.

Key factors influencing his decision reportedly include:

• Erik ten Hag’s detailed tactical vision and long-term development plan

• Manchester United’s track record in nurturing young strikers

• The club’s historical legacy and global brand appeal

• Champions League football for the 2025/26 season

• The opportunity to work alongside talents like Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford

These elements are understood to have aligned with Sesko’s career ambitions, as he targets sustained success at the highest level of the game.

Transfer timeline and background

Manchester United scouts have followed Sesko’s development since his teenage years at Red Bull Salzburg, where he made headlines during the 2021/22 season with 11 league goals at age 18. His rise continued at RB Leipzig following his move in 2023, establishing him as one of Europe’s most watched attacking prospects.

In 2024, several top clubs reportedly expressed interest in signing Sesko, but Leipzig retained him for another season to continue his progression. That decision proved fruitful, with Sesko enjoying a strong 2024/25 campaign that helped pave the way for a Premier League move.

Benjamin Sesko’s profile – why he’s a perfect fit for Manchester United

The arrival of Benjamin Sesko brings one of Europe’s most coveted young strikers to a Manchester United side hungry for attacking depth.

Standing at 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in), Sesko blends physical presence with speed, intelligent positioning, and technical ability—traits that elevate him beyond the mold of a traditional target man. His playing style has drawn comparisons to modern strikers who combine finishing ability with active pressing and link-up play.

Player profile:

• Age: 22 (born 31 May 2003), according to public sources such as Wikipedia
• Nationality: Slovenian
• Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
• 2024/25 – RB Leipzig: 13 Bundesliga goals, 5 assists in 33 league appearances; 21 goals in 45 matches across all competitions
• International – Slovenia: 41 caps, 16 goals
• Key strengths: Aerial duels, pressing, movement, finishing under pressure

Sesko has built a reputation for delivering in high-stakes moments and unlocking compact defenses—an attribute expected to be crucial in the Premier League, where tactical rigidity often demands individual brilliance in tight spaces.

How Sesko fits into United’s tactical setup

Manchester United have long sought a forward who combines mobility, physicality, and tactical awareness. Sesko fits that profile, offering versatility in both build-up and final-third play. His aerial strength enhances the club’s set-piece threat, while his ability to stretch defences may complement United’s pacey wide players.

The addition of Sesko could allow Erik ten Hag to experiment with tactical setups that include dual strikers or more vertical attacking transitions. His presence may also provide crucial depth across competitions, enabling effective squad rotation without compromising quality.

Impact in the European transfer market

Sesko’s move is expected to create ripple effects in the European transfer scene:

• Newcastle United may pivot to alternative striker targets

• RB Leipzig will be in the market for a replacement forward

• Manchester United may restructure their forward line, with potential outgoings to balance squad depth and wages

Internally, the club could also benefit from greater tactical flexibility, with Sesko offering options as both a lone striker and part of a forward pairing.

Deal nearing official confirmation

While neither Manchester United nor RB Leipzig has officially confirmed the deal at the time of writing, all major sources agree the transfer is near completion, pending final paperwork. A decision is expected within the next 48 hours — notably, Newcastle United has issued such a deadline to Benjamin Sesko — and an official confirmation could follow shortly.

If finalized, the transfer will mark one of the biggest forward investments of the summer and could play a defining role in shaping Manchester United’s short- and long-term ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Sesko’s arrival will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. If he hits the ground running, he could become a cornerstone of United’s new era and help the club reclaim their status among Europe’s elite.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from credible sources. An official announcement from the club is still pending.