A mad Friday of Newcastle United transfer talk involving Alexander Isak and Liverpool ended with an unexpected twist last night.
While some were asleep or enjoying a night out, some big claims arrived from Central Europe on the future of Toon target and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.
Despite suggestions all week that the 22-year-old was favouring a move to Manchester United, prominent Slovenian outlet Delo released a story announcing that Sesko has now chosen to join Newcastle United instead.
Presented as an exclusive from Jernej Suhadolnik, it’s claimed Newcastle have ‘won the battle’ for the 6ft 5′ RB Leipzig striker, despite competition from Old Trafford.
He isn’t the only reporter saying this, either, as Sky’s Sacha Tavolieri states that Newcastle have moved ahead of Man Utd in the race for his signature.
Tavolieri states that we’ve increased the personal terms on offer to Sesko and have received the ‘final green light’ from the player, indicating he is keen to arrive at St James’ Park.
He adds that RB Leipzig are now expected to agree a deal in the region of £78m, suggesting this is suddenly advanced from a player and club-to-club perspective.
Craig Hope of The Mail has also weighed in, tweeting this in the early hours of Saturday morning:
‘Sesko update. Newcastle have presented package and vision for player & await decision. Man Utd also at table
‘Reports from Slovenia of choosing NUFC noted but nothing communicated yet.
‘Feeling in (the) week Man Utd (were) favs but hope remains after much work behind scenes.’
All this comes after widespread reports around Liverpool walking away from Isak talks, so what happens next and what REALLY is the truth behind the Isak and Sesko sagas remains to be seen for now.
My guess? Sesko and Wissa end up signing, and Isak eventually leaves for Liverpool, who may soon be in a position to up their bid significantly if the sale of Darwin Nunez goes through.
⚫️⚪️ Newcastle United has taken advantage on Manchester United for Benjamin Sesko! #NUFC has increased significantly the personal terms offer and received final green light from Sesko to proceed on talks with RB Leipzig, now expected to deal around €90M deal on it. #mercato pic.twitter.com/2SHLDRk5ud
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 1, 2025