Newcastle Submit €80m Offer for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko Amid Manchester United Interest
Newcastle United have submitted a formal bid to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, matching the Bundesliga club’s valuation with a package worth €80 million.
The offer, confirmed by newsmen, consists of a €75 million (£65.5m) fee and €5 million (£4.3m) in add-ons. Leipzig are yet to make a final decision, but Newcastle’s proposal is in line with the club’s expectations.
Manchester United remain interested in Benjamin Sesko and are still in contention. The player is open to both projects, with conversations ongoing on both sides.
RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are exploring a possible loan move for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund as part of their own summer plans. The German side are understood to have asked about the conditions for a temporary deal, though nothing has been agreed.
Despite earlier suggestions that Manchester United would need to sell before making new signings, sources now indicate that the club has flexibility to complete incoming deals, provided there are sales before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko comes as the club prepares for a potential second bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak. Liverpool had an initial offer worth £110 million rejected earlier this week. The proposal, including add-ons, failed to reach Newcastle’s £120 million valuation.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Newcastle’s pre-season match against Tottenham in South Korea, head coach Eddie Howe confirmed the bid for Isak had been turned down.
“I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that bid was turned down before I even heard about it,” Howe said. “We still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again. But it’s difficult to predict what will happen next.”
Newcastle have faced a challenging summer in the transfer market, missing out on several key targets including Liam Delap, João Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and James Trafford. The club has also stalled in its efforts to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
Following the departure of Callum Wilson earlier this summer, Will Osula is the only senior striker currently on the club’s pre-season tour.
“We’re looking for the best players that we can get,” Howe said. “Whatever our target position is, we’re looking for the best. It’s quality over quantity, and that approach hasn’t changed.”
The transfer window remains open until the end of the month, with both Newcastle and Manchester United expected to stay active as they pursue reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.
