Newcastle United Submit €80M Bid For Benjamin Sesko Amid Isak Uncertainty: Report
Newcastle bid €80 million for Šeško amid rumours that Isak may leave. Šeško prefers Manchester United, who might offer Rasmus Højlund in a player-plus-cash deal.
Newcastle United have made a formal move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, submitting a package worth €80 million as they brace for the possible departure of star forward Alexander Isak.
The offer, tabled within the past 24 hours, consists of €75 million upfront, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons.
The Magpies are accelerating their search for a long-term No. 9 as Liverpool continue to circle around Isak with serious intent.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle have already rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for Isak, but the Premier League champions remain keen. Isak himself is understood to be open to a move this summer, adding urgency to Newcastle's plans to secure a replacement.
Sesko Weighing Newcastle vs. United — But Prefers Old Trafford
Benjamin Šeško, one of Europe's most coveted young forwards, is now at the center of a transfer tug-of-war between Newcastle and Manchester United. Both clubs have presented compelling cases to the 21-year-old Slovenian, with United long considering him a top target amid their persistent goal-scoring woes.
According to German journalist Guido Schäfer, the striker sees more long-term potential in United's evolving project under new manager Rúben Amorim, even in the absence of European football in 2025–26.
Arsenal had also monitored Šeško earlier in the window but shifted focus to Viktor Gyökeres, completing a €63.5m deal for Isak's fellow Swede last month.
United's Financial Flexibility: Buy Now, Balance Later
Despite needing to sell players this summer, Manchester United are in a position to buy before selling, provided that outgoing deals are completed before the end of the window.
With a third straight summer of goal-scoring concerns, Amorim has made it clear that bolstering the frontline is essential — and Šeško, with his blend of size, movement, and technical ability, fits the mold of a long-term No. 9.
A potential breakthrough could come via a player-plus-cash deal involving Rasmus Højlund, United's current striker. RB Leipzig are reportedly open to selling Šeško if United include Højlund in the offer, along with a financial sweetener.
Højlund, 22, joined United last summer amid high expectations but struggled in his second campaign, netting just four Premier League goals in 2024–25 after an encouraging 10-goal debut season.
While some at United remain confident in his long-term potential, Leipzig see an opportunity to acquire a talented young forward who could thrive in the Bundesliga's more developmental environment.
Newcastle's pursuit of Šeško is also shaped by the looming uncertainty around Alexander Isak's future. Despite rejecting Liverpool's massive bid, Newcastle may eventually be forced to part ways with the 25-year-old due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the financial opportunity such a sale presents.
Should Isak leave, Šeško is viewed as the primary successor. Newcastle have scouted the Leipzig forward extensively and are impressed by his physicality, finishing, and maturity at the top level — attributes that would fit seamlessly into Eddie Howe's system.
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August 02, 2025, 17:08 IST
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