In what has quickly become one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer, Manchester United have set the football world alight with an unexpected bid for RB Leipzig’s prolific striker, Benjamin Sesko. Caught off guard, both Newcastle United and Sesko’s current club, RB Leipzig, now face a fierce contest for the player’s signature, according to reports.
Under the new stewardship of manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United are desperate to bolster their attacking options following a dismal Premier League campaign which saw them languishing at 15th place. Their lacklustre performance in front of goal last season, outscored by only four clubs, has necessitated an urgent upgrade, a role the highly-regarded Sesko could fill.
Despite criticism levied at United’s strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, for their meagre combined tally of seven league goals, the club remains unwavering in their pursuit of Sesko, appending a £30 million price tag on Hojlund.
After days of frenzied speculation, the Red Devils tabled a substantial offer of €85 million for the Slovenian forward earlier this week. This development was first reported by German outlet Bild and further expounded by transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who highlighted United’s confidence in Sesko’s desire to don the famous red shirt.
Jacobs explained on the social media platform X: “Manchester United have submitted their €75m+€10m offer for Benjamin Sesko, aligning closely with Leipzig’s financial expectations. Confidence within the club is high that Sesko is keen to join, having engaged in direct talks.”
He continued, “Despite Newcastle’s ambitions to finalize terms with Leipzig, both clubs remain extremely close to what Leipzig are seeking. Newcastle are anxious, fearing that if both offers are comparable, Sesko’s preference may tilt towards Manchester United.”
Interestingly, Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg disclosed that Sesko has reached “full verbal agreements” with both Manchester United and Newcastle, leaving the final decision reliant on Leipzig’s acceptance of either financial package.
Plettenberg stated on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Sesko has formally agreed terms with both Manchester United and Newcastle. With United’s offer at €85 million and Newcastle’s at €90 million, the decisive moments are unfolding as we speak.”
Adding to the drama, seasoned journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed on X the shockwave Manchester United’s manoeuvre sent through the transfer dealings, as Leipzig were initially leaning towards Newcastle’s proposal.
Tavolieri’s commentary captured the unexpected twist: “RB Leipzig officials were favouring Newcastle’s offer, anticipating closure at their desired €90m. The advent of United’s bid, backed by Jim Ratcliffe, has indeed thrown a spanner in the works. With Sesko’s once clear inclination towards Newcastle now in flux, a bidding war is underway.”
As the tension heightens, all eyes remain fixated on Benjamin Sesko’s imminent decision, a choice that could profoundly influence the balance of power for the forthcoming Premier League season.
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