Benjamin Sesko is set to join Manchester United in £73.6million move after the 22-year-old snubbed a move to St James' Park, despite Newcastle offering the Slovenia international more money
16:15, 07 Aug 2025
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko is close to joining Manchester United
Benjamin Sesko has reportedly sacrificed a chunk of his salary to secure a £73.6million transfer to Manchester United.
The Slovenian international was pursued by both the Red Devils and Newcastle, but chose Old Trafford, despite Newcastle's ability to offer Champions League football next season, and more money.
Sesko has now been given permission to fly to Manchester and complete his medical with United, where he will sign a five-year contract, after snubbing Newcastle.
Newcastle had identified Sesko as their top choice to replace Alexander Isak, who is himself pushing for a move to Liverpool. However, Eddie Howe's team have suffered another setback in a disappointing summer that has seen nearly all their targets snub moves to St James' Park.
Their only significant signings so far have been Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan from relegated Southampton.
BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 01: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and RB Leipzig at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on February 01, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Sesko has chosen Manchester United over Newcastle(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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Newcastle have been rejected by players such as Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and now Sesko.
It's another bitter pill to swallow for Newcastle in a summer window that has been a rude awakening for Geordies believing the Magpies could outmuscle England's big six.
Sky Sports Germany reports that Sesko agreed to forego part of his wages to facilitate his move to United.
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He could have earned more at Newcastle, who were also prepared to meet RB Leipzig's asking price, but the striker insisted on joining Ruben Amorim's side, even though it means earning less than he would have at St James' Park.
Another key factor in finalising the transfer was Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, who gave up a substantial part of the commission he was set to earn from the striker's move.
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Sesko is now on his way to the UK to sign a five-year contract, with a medical also scheduled within the next 72 hours.