Benjamin Sesko has explained why he snubbed Newcastle United in favour of a transfer to Manchester United after his switch to Old Trafford was confirmed on Saturday.
Newcastle United have now officially missed out on eight of their top targets this summer as Benjamin Sesko’s transfer to Manchester United was confirmed on Saturday.
That makes it three players Man U have beaten Newcastle to following the signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Sesko has signed a five-year contract until 2030 at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim’s side paying an initial £66.26m, rising to a possible £74.62m, to capture the Slovenian.
Newcastle actually offered RB Leipzig a higher transfer fee and promised a bigger wage to Sesko, but the striker still chose Manchester over St. James’ Park.
Now he’s revealed that Man U’s history and the current project were the reasons why.
Inset, Manchester United badge. Inset 2, Newcastle United badge. Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring for RB Leipzig.
Credit: Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Kristian Skeie – UEFA/UEFA/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko hails Man Utd’s ‘project’ as he snubs Newcastle United
Speaking to Man U’s official website upon completing the transfer, Sesko said: “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future.
“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
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“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Who will Newcastle United sign after missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Man U?
Sesko has now officially joined Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap on the list of centre-forwards who have turned Newcastle down this summer. Not to mention the players in other positions.
Thankfully, it also emerged on Saturday that Newcastle have told Alexander Isak he will not be sold this summer and will block any potential move to Liverpool.
Isak is said to be ‘furious’ at the decision and Howe hinted the Swede was refusing to play in pre-season after the 2-2 draw with Espanyol.
But, it’s a World Cup year and, once the transfer window closes, it’ll be startling if Isak isn’t brought back into the fold.
Newcastle still need another striker though after releasing Callum Wilson, with William Osula proving he is not yet ready to lead the line.
Thankfully, it appears Newcastle are closing in on signing Yoane Wissa for £35m after finally achieving a breakthrough with Brentford.
Wissa didn’t play in Brentford’s friendly on Friday and his representatives have reportedly travelled to the UK to hash out a deal.