Newcastle United proposes an 80 million pound bid for striker Sesko
Premier League Heavyweights Battle for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko
In a dramatic turn of events, two English football giants, Newcastle United and Manchester United, are locked in a transfer battle for RB Leipzig's highly-coveted striker, Benjamin Sesko [1].
Newcastle United, currently competing in the Champions League, made the first move by presenting their vision to Sesko and submitting an offer of £69.8 million, with additional £5 million in bonuses [1]. This proposed deal, if successful, would surpass Newcastle's record transfer fee, exceeding €80 million.
Manchester United, who missed out on international competition after a disastrous season, are not far behind in the race. Reports suggest that they too have entered into negotiations with Leipzig [1].
Sesko, who was signed by Leipzig from Salzburg in 2023 for €24 million, is reportedly valued at least €80 million by his current club [1]. Leipzig is said to be eyeing a higher amount for the young forward, who extended his contract until 30 June 2029 last summer [1].
Meanwhile, Sesko has expressed his openness to both offers from Newcastle United and Manchester United [1]. His desire to leave Leipzig was evident when he was not on the bench for the test match against Atalanta Bergamo [1]. A tweet on August 2, 2025, confirmed that Sesko has no injury or issues, and is out of the game due to his wish to join a new team [1].
Xavi Simons, another Leipzig player, has also announced his intention to leave the club this summer. Simons, who was permanently signed by Leipzig at the end of January 2025 after being loaned from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, has his heart set on joining Chelsea in the Premier League [1].
Transfer negotiations between Chelsea and Leipzig for Simons have reportedly been underway for two weeks [1]. Simons' brother Faustino, who is his agent, has previously been in contact with Chelsea [1]. Leipzig paid a transfer fee of €50 million for Simons, plus potential bonus payments [1].
Interestingly, Arsenal initially seemed set to finalize the transfer for Sesko, but then opted for Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres instead [1].
The transfer of Simons would mark another high-profile departure from Leipzig, following the potential sale of Sesko. If both players leave, it will be a significant blow to Leipzig's attacking line.
As the transfer window closes, the race for Sesko and Simons is heating up, with both Newcastle United and Manchester United eager to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
The two Premier League powerhouses, Newcastle United and Manchester United, are fiercely contesting the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, a highly-sought-after forward in European-leagues, from RB Leipzig. Despite Newcastle United having presented an offer of £74.8 million for Sesko, Manchester United hasn't yet flexed its muscles in the transfer market for this European league star.
