Manchester United have sealed a major coup in the summer transfer window by reportedly agreeing a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, beating Newcastle United to his signature.
The Slovenian forward, 22, is expected to undergo a medical at Carrington after United had a £66.5 million bid accepted by the German side. The fee includes £7.3 million in add-ons and marks a significant investment by the Red Devils as they reshape their attacking line-up for the 2025/26 campaign.
United’s offer matches a rival bid submitted by Newcastle, who reportedly offered £71.5 million up front plus £2.1 million in performance-related bonuses. However, despite the more lucrative proposal from the Magpies, Sesko has chosen Old Trafford as his next destination — a clear sign of United’s enduring appeal in the European transfer market.
According to The Athletic, RB Leipzig have now given Sesko permission to travel to Manchester to complete the formalities of the transfer, including his medical and contract signing.
The young striker has been one of the Bundesliga’s brightest attacking talents over the past two seasons, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including an impressive 21-goal haul in the last campaign. His combination of pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing has drawn comparisons to the likes of Erling Haaland, with several European giants monitoring his development.
Speaking anonymously to club sources, a senior United scout described Sesko as “a generational talent with the physical and tactical attributes to thrive in the Premier League.”
The arrival of Sesko follows United’s other high-profile attacking acquisitions: Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71 million, and Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal. With these additions, manager Erik ten Hag appears to be assembling a youthful and dynamic front line that could revitalise United’s fortunes both domestically and in Europe.
Sesko’s move is also a blow to Newcastle United, who had hoped to make him a central figure in their own evolving project. Tensions have reportedly risen on Tyneside, particularly as star striker Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a mega-money switch to Liverpool. The Swedish forward has refused to participate in Newcastle’s pre-season tour and is believed to be unsettled amid interest from Anfield, where a £120 million bid is said to be on the table.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, reacting to recent developments, has banned Isak from returning to training, further fuelling speculation that a summer departure could be imminent. In response, the Magpies are now said to be eyeing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as a potential replacement.
The loss of Sesko marks another disappointment for Newcastle, who have struggled to land several of their top targets during the current window. Despite their Champions League qualification and increased financial muscle, they continue to face stiff competition from Europe’s elite for emerging talent.
Meanwhile, United’s transfer activity continues to gain momentum. With Sesko set to sign, the club’s total spend this summer will exceed £140 million, without factoring in any significant player sales. Long-serving players Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen have both been released, but so far no major outgoing transfers have been confirmed.
Manchester United fans will be hopeful that these aggressive moves in the transfer market will translate into on-pitch success as the Red Devils prepare for the new season with a refreshed and potent attack.
If Sesko’s trajectory continues, United may well have found their next long-term No. 9.
