The race to sign one of the Bundesliga’s hottest prospects, Benjamin Sesko, is on. Newcastle United have tabled a deal worth €90 million, but are adamant it comes with a 48-hour deadline as they look to close or move on from one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer.
Sky’s North East football correspondent, Keith Downie, broke the news on X that an improved offer had been submitted on Monday evening, after a package worth €75 million + €5 million was rejected on Saturday.
Manchester United have shown their hand for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, submitting a formal bid worth €85 million; some €5 million lower than Newcastle's.
Sources at Manchester United are confident that the player wants to join, but as yet, it's unclear if RB Leipzig will accept the smaller package for a player they rate as one of the best prospects in Europe.
The Red Devils have bided their time to see how Newcastle’s offer progressed before submitting a late offer to potentially hijack the deal. A strategy that proved effective for Liverpool and their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike’s transfer this summer.
Reports from within Sesko’s camp are still that the player is open to both moves.
Benjamin Sesko’s next club odds suggest that Manchester United are in the driving seat at odds of 1/2, but a potential move to St James' Park is not dead in the water just yet, priced at 7/4 as a long-term Alexander Isak replacement.
Benjamin Sesko Transfer Odds
Here’s a look at what the best betting sites are saying about where Sesko is heading with his latest transfer odds:
| Sesko Next Club | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 1/2 | bet365 |
| Newcastle United | 7/4 | William Hill |
| Stay at RB Leipzig | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Chelsea | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Arsenal | 50/1 | bet365 |
*Odds correct as of 10:20 05/08/2025. Subject to change.
Tyne to Make a Move? Newcastle Chase Their Next No.9
With news that Alexander Isak could depart this summer, Eddie Howe will be desperate to get a plug-and-play No.9 of similar upside.
Sesko ticks the long-term asset box that is part of the club's and PIF recruitment plan. He’s 22, shares many similar traits with Isak, and would come at a price that allows them to utilise a potential £120m+ windfall from the Swede's departure to invest in other areas of the squad.
Tactically, Sesko would be a great fit. Howe’s desire to stick with a trusted 4-3-3 formation allows him to play through the middle, benefitting from early wide deliveries from Gordon, Elanga, Murphy, Hall and Livramento.
He’s also exceptionally aggressive on the counter-press, having the ability to shift quick vertical transitions into fully fledged attacks.
The draw for Sesko will be serious main character vibes. Once Isak leaves, he’d be the face of one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, leading the line in the Champions League, which is something Manchester United can’t guarantee.
Obstacles over wages and PSR/FFP headroom have plagued the Geordies since the takeover in 2021, and a deal will likely include structured payments, which may not suit RB Leipzig.
A bigger issue that might occur is if Isak stays. Would Sesko be willing to rotate? He may want guarantees, which will be difficult given Eddie Howe’s desire to play a single central striker.
Odds of 7/4 now suggest that Newcastle is no longer the favourite in light of the news of Manchester United's latest offer.
Devils in the Details as United Push for Sesko
Manchester United’s rebuild under INEOS is still lacking a long-term No. 9. Rasmus Hojlund is promising, but he needs competition and has yet to prove that he’s ready to lead the line and help United return to the league's elite.
It’s no secret that Amorim is looking for another centre-forward option and after watching rivals Arsenal (Gyökeres) and Liverpool (Ekitike + potentially Isak) both strengthen in the summer, the door is starting to close on world-class alternatives.
What United lack in European opportunities this year, they make up for in brand and platform. They are still (commercially) one of the biggest clubs in the world, and if Sesko has ambitions of eyeing a Ballon d’Or shortlist down the line, Old Trafford still carries aura.
In terms of a football fit, he ticks all the boxes. Amorim demands a high work rate off the ball, which Sesko will give without lacking the quality of sticking the ball in the back of the net.
He averages 5.06 progressive passes received per 90 (49th percentile), which indicates he has already adapted to finding pockets. However, with Bruno feeding him, this number could spike again.
Given that United's summer spending has already surpassed the €150 million mark, PSR sensitivity means that players may need to leave before a deal is finalised. Alejandro Garnacho transfer odds suggest that he could be off to Chelsea, and there looks like there's no road back for Antony now, adding to Amorim’s honey pot. A deal to get Sesko over the line would cap off a successful window for The Red Devils.
