How Benjamin Sesko feels about Man United amid interest from Newcastle – journalist

The race for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has intensified into a full-scale transfer battle between Newcastle United and Manchester United, with the Slovenian striker’s future hanging in the balance.

As Newcastle scramble to replace Alexander Isak following his shock departure request, their pursuit of the 22-year-old marks a critical juncture in their summer rebuild.

However, Manchester United’s aggressive courtship threatens to derail the Magpies’ plans, continuing a frustrating pattern where Newcastle’s top targets ultimately choose Old Trafford.

Šeško finds himself at the center of this tug-of-war after an impressive Bundesliga campaign that showcased his burgeoning talent.

German football expert Florian Plettenberg reports the striker has responded positively to Manchester United’s approach, impressed by their financial offer and long-term vision.

This development deals a significant blow to Newcastle, who had identified Šeško as their primary replacement for Isak. The situation echoes previous transfer windows where Newcastle’s interest in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo only paved the way for their eventual moves to Manchester United.

A comparative analysis of Šeško and Isak’s 2024/25 league performances reveals both similarities and intriguing contrasts:

Metric	Benjamin Šeško	Alexander Isak
Appearances	33	34
Goals	13	23
Assists	5	6
Aerial Duels Won	2.1 per game	0.8 per game
Key Passes/90	0.6	1.2
Shots/90	2.1	2.9

These statistics highlight Šeško’s aerial dominance and physical presence compared to Isak’s more creative, technical profile.

While the Slovenian’s goal output trails Isak’s remarkable tally, his age and development curve suggest significant room for growth. At 6’4″ with explosive pace, Šeško embodies the modern striker prototype that both clubs covet.

Newcastle’s interest hinges entirely on Isak’s potential departure to Liverpool. As transfer expert Graeme Bailey noted months ago, Šeško would never consider playing second fiddle at St James’ Park.

This conditional approach puts Newcastle at a strategic disadvantage against Manchester United’s unqualified pursuit. The Red Devils have presented “clear figures” to both player and club, demonstrating the financial muscle that has repeatedly outgunned Newcastle this summer.

Leipzig’s £69 million valuation creates another obstacle. While Newcastle could theoretically afford this fee through Isak’s anticipated £100m+ sale, their cautious negotiation style contrasts sharply with Manchester United’s willingness to meet asking prices.

This fundamental difference in transfer philosophy has already cost Newcastle several targets, leaving fans increasingly frustrated with the club’s inability to close deals.

The psychological impact of losing yet another battle to Manchester United cannot be overstated. Seeing Šeško potentially join Cunha and Mbeumo at Old Trafford – while Isak and former target Hugo Ekitike strengthen Liverpool – would represent a painful reminder of Newcastle’s current place in the Premier League pecking order.

Despite Champions League football on offer, the Magpies continue to struggle against the pulling power of established “Big Six” clubs.

Šeško’s impending decision will reveal much about Newcastle’s project appeal. Can they convince elite young talents to choose their vision over traditional powerhouses?

Or will they remain stuck in a cycle of identifying top targets only to see them snatched away? The answer could define their summer and shape their ability to compete on multiple fronts next season.

As negotiations enter their decisive phase, Newcastle must decide whether to meet Leipzig’s demands head-on or risk being left empty-handed.

With preseason underway and the new campaign looming, time is running out to secure adequate replacements. One thing is certain – in the high-stakes world of Premier League transfers, hesitation often proves more costly than ambition.

The coming days will show whether Newcastle have learned this lesson or remain doomed to repeat past transfer window frustrations.