Benjamin Sesko is being hotly pursued by both Manchester United and Newcastle - and a former Premier League chairman has now had his say on where the RB Leipzig striker should go
Simon Jordan on talkSPORT.
Simon Jordan believes Sesko should join Newcastle over Manchester United
(Image: TALKSPORT)
Simon Jordan has urged Benjamin Sesko to choose St James' Park over Old Trafford.
The former Crystal Palace chairman claims the RB Leipzig forward would face "less scrutiny" under Eddie Howe than Ruben Amorim. Jordan admits he had "reservations in the past" over the Newcastle boss, but now sees the Carabao Cup winners as the ideal environment for Sesko's development in England.
Newcastle and Manchester United are embroiled in a tug-of-war over the 22-year-old sensation. Both clubs tabled substantial offers in the hope of securing Sesko's signature.
The Magpies were first to make an unsuccessful bid, only to return with an improved offer believed to be around £70million plus add-ons that was accepted. Meanwhile, the Red Devils entered the fray on Tuesday with a bid of £65.1m plus £8.7m in add-ons.
Despite that being a lower offer, The Athletic claim Sesko prefers United, and that could be crucial in making the move happen. An agreement is yet to be struck between the clubs, but talks are progressing.
That goes against the advice of Jordan, who weighed in on Sesko's situation on talkSPORT, stating that if money was not an issue, Newcastle would be the better choice. "If I were in his shoes, if the economics of the deal were that I wasn't being compromised financially by going to Newcastle over Manchester United, I think it's a great move," Jordan said, before going on to discuss the former Bournemouth manager.
"I think Eddie Howe is a brilliant manager. I had my reservations about him in the past, I've had conversations already. I like him very much, and I think he's done a brilliant job. So I would be looking at Newcastle rather than Man United."
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)
Sesko's preference is the Red Devils, it's claimed
Jordan explained that playing for Amorim at United would mean coming under intense scrutiny for Sesko, in contrast to having more freedom to develop under Howe. Jordan continued: "I think because Newcastle comes with expectation, but doesn't come with the same pressure that Man United comes from.
"Whilst people focus on Newcastle, they focus on it because Newcastle makes a lot of noise, because it's a very passionate football club and the fans are very motivated by it. It doesn't have the day-to-day scrutiny that Man United has.
"It doesn't matter what happens, you can fart in the corridor of Man United – that's heard around the world. It's not the same at Newcastle."
United are reportedly confident that Sesko will be heading to the north west to bolster their frontline, having already signed Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha this summer.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, reacts as Eddie Howe looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Newcastle United FC at Old Trafford on December 30, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Sesko has the choice of Eddie Howe or Ruben Amorim
Sesko, however, is seen by Newcastle as the ideal successor to Alexander Isak, who has drawn Liverpool's interest thanks to his scintillating form. The Premier League champions already lodged a £110m bid for the Swede, which was turned down, but Howe seems prepared to part with the wantaway forward if Sesko signs for the Magpies first.
The Red Devils are once again in a period of transition. In November 2024, they appointed former Sporting CP manager Amorim to help the club qualify for European football in the Premier League, but another dismal season saw them finish in 15th place and without any silverware.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are on the up after securing their first piece of silverware in 70 years in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. They finished fifth last year in the Premier League and are set to compete in the Champions League once again this season.