Premier League Rivals Manchester United and Newcastle Battle for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško
The summer transfer window has sparked a fierce tug-of-war between two English Premier League giants, as Manchester United and Newcastle United have both made substantial offers for RB Leipzig’s rising star Benjamin Šeško. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker has become one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe following a breakout season in Germany.
The Transfer Battle: United vs United
Newcastle United reportedly made the first serious move, offering €75 million (£65.5 million) plus performance-related bonuses to match RB Leipzig’s valuation. However, Manchester United swiftly entered the race, submitting a competitive bid believed to be €85 million (£74 million), which includes €75 million upfront and an additional €10 million in potential add-ons.
Leipzig has yet to accept or reject either offer, keeping the suspense high. The German club is believed to be weighing the financial benefits, as well as Šeško’s personal preference.
Why Šeško Is in Demand
Šeško’s stock has skyrocketed after a stellar 2024–25 season where he notched 21 goals and six assists across all competitions. Known for his towering height of 1.95 meters, he combines physical strength with speed and technical flair. His style has drawn comparisons to top-tier strikers like Darwin Núñez, making him a prized asset for clubs looking to build a powerful forward line.
His market value has risen sharply over the past two seasons, from €24 million to nearly €70 million, underlining his rapid development and elite potential.
Club Strategies and Future Plans
For Manchester United, Šeško is seen as a long-term solution to their attacking issues. Despite missing out on European competition for the upcoming season, United’s offer reportedly appeals to Šeško, who is intrigued by the project and the club’s historic stature.
On the other hand, Newcastle United view Šeško as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, who is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Newcastle have even raised their initial bid to around €80 million to stay ahead in the race. Reports also suggest they’ve issued a 48-hour deadline for the player’s response.
While both bids meet Leipzig’s expectations, Šeško’s personal preference could be the deciding factor. Manchester United are even exploring the possibility of including Rasmus Højlund in a player-plus-cash deal, though Højlund is not keen on leaving Old Trafford.
With no final decision yet, all eyes are on Leipzig and Šeško as the transfer window heads into a crucial phase. The coming days could determine whether the Slovenian talent lands at Old Trafford or becomes Newcastle’s marquee striker in their push for Premier League glory.