NaijNaira
Benjamin Sesko may be days away from becoming Manchester United’s latest signing, as talks between the Premier League giants and RB Leipzig progress – www.naijnaira.com reports.
Sky Germany has revealed United have bumped their bid to €80m (£69.6m) including add-ons, aiming to seal the striker’s arrival before the transfer window closes. Though Newcastle United offered more upfront, sources say the 22-year-old has privately leaned towards joining Manchester United.
Sky Sports was first to report that Sesko is open to both proposals, but sees more appeal in United’s project. Newcastle, despite returning with an improved £69.7m bid plus extras, find themselves falling behind in the race.
Personal terms won’t be a roadblock either way. But with Manchester United seen as the preferred destination, RB Leipzig could let the final decision rest with the player.
“He’s not against Newcastle,” a Sky Sports News source explained, “but if it’s down to just those two, he’d rather go to Manchester United.”
Sesko’s absence from Leipzig’s friendly against Atalanta over the weekend only added fuel to the speculation. He has also skipped group training, working individually while Leipzig continue internal discussions.
The Slovenian international has already informed teammates of his intention to leave and is ready to travel to the UK once a deal is in place.
United’s renewed offer for Sesko may also have implications for Rasmus Hojlund, who could be allowed to leave this summer if the deal gets over the line. Leipzig have reportedly considered a loan deal involving Hojlund as part of negotiations.
Still, United might keep both forwards, especially as Hojlund has shown flashes of form in pre-season, scoring in their 4-1 win against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are in a tough spot. Their pursuit of Sesko is just the latest in a series of transfer sagas that haven’t gone their way.
Names like Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and Hugo Ekitike all slipped through their fingers. Losing Sesko to a direct rival like United would only add to the frustration.
“This one would really sting,” said Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie. “Newcastle have been close to a number of top talents, and just haven’t landed them.”
With Sesko’s potential arrival, United’s next move could be a midfield addition. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is on the shortlist, but the club may need to sell to fund that deal.
Baleba won’t come cheap either. CIES values him at €87m (£75.9m), and Brighton aren’t rushing to sell. Adding to the complexity, Baleba will miss several league games if he joins due to AFCON 2025 commitments.
Still, United remain focused on getting Sesko through the door. The Red Devils believe they’ve done enough to convince both Leipzig and the player—and they’re pushing to wrap it up swiftly.
