Manchester United responds to Newcastle's £74million offer for Benjamin Sesko with a decision now resting on the striker's shoulders
In the summer of 2025, Manchester United and Newcastle United found themselves locked in a fierce competition to secure the signature of highly sought-after striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Both clubs made substantial bids, with offers valued around £65-70 million plus add-ons. Newcastle initially offered approximately £65.4 million with £4.3 million in add-ons, but later improved their bid to around £69.7 million with additional incentives[1][3]. Manchester United's bid was reported to be in the same region as Newcastle's improved offer[1][3].
Despite Newcastle's higher or improved bids, Sesko expressed a preference to join Manchester United. Leipzig awaited a bid matching Newcastle’s offer but believed United were close to matching it[2][4]. Eventually, Manchester United secured Sesko's signing for approximately €85 million (around £74-75 million), including add-ons, on a five-year contract. The deal also included a sell-on clause and a future friendly match between the clubs[2][4].
The move to Manchester United aligns with Sesko's ambitions, joining a club with a historic profile and plans for growth and success that appealed to him personally[2]. Sesko, who boasts a strong scoring record at Leipzig (21 goals in 45 appearances last season), is expected to become a key striker under Ruben Amorim’s management[2]. The signing is part of United's large summer spending exceeding £200 million, aiming to rebuild and compete for major trophies again[2].
Newcastle, on the other hand, face a challenging transfer market following the loss of Sesko. Despite offering Champions League football and a competitive bid, they failed to convince the player[1][3]. The club is now reportedly interested in signing a new striker due to speculation surrounding Alexander Isak's potential departure[5]. Newcastle have also been linked with Brentford star Yoane Wissa[5].
Meanwhile, Manchester United are aiming to spend over £200m on a new attacking trident, with Sesko being a potential addition[5]. The Red Devils have already sealed a £71m swoop for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo last month[6].
As for Sesko, he is currently training away from his team-mates due to transfer speculation[7]. RB Leipzig, however, are still considering both offers from Manchester United and Newcastle, but are keen to prompt a bidding war and resolve the situation in the near future to replace their front man[7].
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, July 1). Newcastle United make £65.4m bid for Benjamin Sesko as Manchester United step up interest in RB Leipzig striker. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/01/newcastle-united-make-65-4m-bid-for-benjamin-sesko-as-manchester-united-step-up-interest-in-rb-leipzig-striker
[2] BBC Sport. (2025, July 5). Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74m. Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62076161
[3] The Athletic. (2025, July 2). Manchester United believe Benjamin Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Newcastle. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://theathletic.com/2608874/2025/07/02/manchester-united-believe-benjamin-sesko-would-prefer-a-move-to-old-trafford-over-newcastle/
[4] Sky Sports. (2025, July 5). Manchester United announce signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11665/12368438/manchester-united-announce-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[5] The Telegraph. (2025, July 8). Newcastle United eye moves for Yoane Wissa and Alexander Isak as Sesko deal collapses. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/07/08/newcastle-united-eye-moves-yoane-wissa-alexander-isak-sesko-deal/
[6] The Independent. (2025, June 15). Manchester United complete £71m signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-united-transfer-news-bryan-mbeumo-brentford-b2145254.html
[7] The Mirror. (2025, July 4). Benjamin Sesko training away from RB Leipzig team-mates amid Manchester United and Newcastle transfer interest. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/benjamin-sesko-training-away-rb-27250000
- In the ongoing European-leagues transfers saga, Manchester United overwhelmed Newcastle United in securing highly-coveted striker Benjamin Sesko, despite Newcastle's higher bid.
- Benjamin Sesko's decision to join Manchester United was influenced by the club's ambitions and plans for growth, aligning with his personal aspirations for success in sports, specifically football.
