Benjamin Šeško’s choice is clear amid Manchester United & Newcastle interestplaceholder image
Benjamin Šeško’s choice is clear amid Manchester United & Newcastle interest | Getty Images
Man United have made Benjamin Sesko their first-choice striker option, but they are battling with Newcastle United for him.
One of the biggest transfer stories of the summer is Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has requested to explore a move away from St James’ Park this summer. There has been interest from Liverpool, who saw an initial bid rejected for the Swedish international.
Isak’s potential departure means that Newcastle are looking for a replacement, and they have stepped up their attempts to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The Magpies have reportedly offered £78.5m for Sesko, which is a club record, and it could be damaging to Man United.
Man United’s Sesko interest dates back to Solskjaer era
It is no wonder that United are keen to bring in Sesko this summer, as the Slovenian international was superb for RB Leipzig last year. The 22-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga club.
However, United haven’t just shown interest in Sesko this year; they have had a very longstanding interest in the Leipzig striker, which dates back to when he was just 16 years old. According to The Athletic, United explored a move to sign Sesko back in 2019, when he was still playing in Slovenia, and whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge at Old Trafford.
The report also says that United revived their interest in the 22-year-old during Erik Ten Hag’s first summer, but Sesko had already committed to joining RB Leipzig from fellow Red Bull-owned club RB Salzburg. He was a potential striker target under Ten Hag last summer, but United opted to sign Joshua Zirkzee instead, who scored six goals in all competitions for the Red Devils last year.
Sesko reportedly prefers Man United move
This could be the deciding factor now United have made a bid similar to Newcastle’s. However, if they were to sign Sesko, player sales would become the priority as they need to balance the books following their big spending summer on the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
If Sesko was to join United, it would plunge the future of Rasmus Hojlund into doubt, as he could become a potential sale to generate more transfer funds. Hojlund scored 10 goals in all competitions for United last season.
There has been interest in Italy for Hojlund, with Napoli formerly linked, and AC Milan said to have enquired about the Danish international in July. It could help United generate around £40m, which would be a boost after a potential Sesko addition.
Continue Reading