Manchester United and Newcastle United have both been pursuing Benjamin Sesko, but one move that could have thwarted a transfer is now understood to be off the cards
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko is still being chased by Newcastle United and Manchester United
(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United and Newcastle United's hopes of signing Benjamin Sesko were handed a boost, as his RB Leipzig team-mate Lois Openda will not be making a move to Sunderland. The Red Devils and the Magpies have been hot on the heels of Sesko in recent weeks.
Amidst these rumours, it was frequently suggested RB Leipzig's Openda – who has previously been linked with United – was on the Black Cats' radar. As a fellow forward, if Sunderland had managed to secure Openda's services, it would have made the task of signing Sesko even more challenging.
Leipzig would likely be reluctant to let go of both their strikers in August. However, in a positive turn of events for United and Eddie Howe's side, Openda will not be joining Sunderland. The newly promoted side are understood to not be interested in the Belgian.
Sky Sports have confirmed the Black Cats, who have been busy in the transfer window, will not be making an approach for Openda. With him staying put, Ole Werner's side will surely be more open to offers for Sesko.
Newcastle were the first to make a move for the striker, putting forward a bid just shy of £70m, as reported by the Chronicle. This offer was swiftly turned down by Leipzig, who are hoping for a bidding war among interested clubs.
The Slovenian netted an impressive 22 goals across all competitions last season and is hailed as one of Europe's most promising talents. Recent reports from Slovenia hinted Sesko was edging towards a Newcastle switch, but it appears he's still weighing up his options.
United have missed out on several targets this window, with Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike opting for moves to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Despite these setbacks, Ruben Amorim has bolstered his attack by securing the services of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Lois Openda of RB Leipzig looks on during the Champions League round 6 match between RB Leipzig v Aston Villa, Red Bull Arena on December 10 2024
Openda will not be joining Sunderland(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
It's widely known that Amorim is on the hunt for a centre-forward to lead United's line. Last term, United's meagre haul of 44 Premier League goals was better only than Everton and the relegated trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.
On the departure front, United are keen to offload Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, having already loaned out Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. In contrast, United's Rasmus Hojlund is determined to stay put and compete for his place in the squad.
Despite some flashes of brilliance, the Danish forward's performances haven't quite lived up to expectations since his £72m move from Atalanta in the summer of 2023. Hojlund said: "I think my plan is very clear and that's for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me.
Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, looks on prior to the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois
Amorim has been focussing on his forward line this summer
"I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team.
"I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22. But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game."
United were held to a 2-2 draw with Everton on Sunday in the Premier League Summer Series across the pond in America. Amorim's men took the lead on two separate occasions courtesy of strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, yet the Merseysiders fought back each time through Iliman Ndiaye and an unfortunate own goal from Ayden Heaven. Their next match is at home to Fiorentina on Saturday.
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