Manchester United and Newcastle Battle for Benjamin Šeško in Record-Breaking Bid

Manchester United have sent a formal €85 million bid to RB Leipzig for striker Benjamin Šeško, intensifying a transfer battle with Newcastle United as both clubs chase the prolific Slovenian forward.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United have made an official bid worth just under £74 million (€85 million) for RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Šeško, including an initial £65 million fee with about £8.9 million in performance-related add-ons according to reports. Newcastle United, determined not to miss out, responded with a higher second offer close to £69.7 million plus add-ons as reported recently. Leipzig are now weighing the proposals and are expected to let Šeško decide his preferred destination. The 22-year-old was absent from Leipzig’s latest pre-season fixture as departure talks intensified.

ŠEŠKO’S RISE AND TEAM CONTEXT

Šeško comes off a stellar season, netting 21 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig last season. Leipzig finished seventh in the Bundesliga last season, missing out on European football, and relied heavily on Šeško’s scoring record. Meanwhile, Manchester United ended last year in 15th place in the Premier League, missing Champions League qualification, while Newcastle United finished fifth, securing their spot in the Champions League for the 2024/25 season.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

RB Leipzig expect a final decision soon, with Newcastle pushing for clarity. Both English clubs hope to present Šeško in time for their league openers: Manchester United face Arsenal, currently second favourites for the title, while Newcastle meet last season’s 6th in the standings Aston Villa. With United pursuing Šeško as a pivotal summer signing, and Newcastle eager for a headline striker after losing out on other targets, the transfer will shape both clubs’ attacking options for the new campaign. The player’s preference could decide one of the biggest transfers of this window as he weighs his options.