Alan Shearer in complete disagreement after Man Utd target Benjamin Sesko ‘raises alarm bells’

The battle for Benjamin Šeško’s signature has divided opinion across the Premier League, with Alan Shearer firmly planting his flag in the pro-Šeško camp despite Arsenal’s reservations about the Slovenian striker.

While Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately opted for the proven qualities of Viktor Gyökeres, both Manchester United and Newcastle continue to pursue the RB Leipzig forward with conviction, backed by Shearer’s ringing endorsement of the 22-year-old’s potential.

Shearer’s assessment of Šeško carries particular weight given his legendary status at Newcastle and his unparalleled understanding of what it takes to succeed as a Premier League striker.

Long before the Magpies entered the race for his signature, Shearer had identified Šeško as a future star during Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage last December.

Drawing favorable comparisons to Erling Haaland, Shearer highlighted the youngster’s rare blend of physical attributes and technical ability: “He has the same frame, the same explosive pace, and that hunger for goals. What impresses me most is his ability to bring others into play while maintaining that ruthless edge in front of goal.”

These comments take on new significance as Newcastle face the potential departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

The Magpies have already tested Leipzig’s resolve with a £70 million bid, demonstrating their belief that Šeško could evolve into a worthy successor to their Swedish talisman.

While Shearer acknowledges the inherent risk in signing a relatively unproven talent for such a substantial fee, his analysis suggests Šeško possesses the raw materials to justify the investment: “He’s got everything you’d want in a modern striker – two-footed, intelligent movement, and the work rate to lead from the front. The Premier League wouldn’t intimidate him.”

Manchester United’s interest adds another layer of intrigue to the transfer saga. Having missed out on several striking targets, new manager Rúben Amorim sees Šeško as the ideal candidate to spearhead his attacking revolution at Old Trafford.

The Slovenian’s versatility – capable of playing as a traditional number nine or drifting wide to create overloads – aligns perfectly with Amorim’s tactical preferences.

Šeško’s statistics from last season make compelling reading for any potential suitor. His 22 goals across all competitions for Leipzig, including several in the Champions League, demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest level.

Yet as Shearer noted on The Rest Is Football podcast, there remains room for growth: “I’ve seen flashes of brilliance in Europe, but consistency is the next step. That’s what separates good players from great ones in England.”

Newcastle’s pursuit may ultimately hinge on Isak’s future. Should Liverpool return with an improved offer, the Magpies could reinvest those funds into securing Šeško while potentially adding Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a more experienced alternative.

This dual approach would address Shearer’s concerns about over-reliance on a young striker adapting to English football.

For Manchester United, the equation is simpler but no less urgent. With their attacking options looking increasingly threadbare, Šeško represents both a statement signing and a long-term solution.

The coming weeks will reveal whether either club can convince Leipzig to part with their prized asset – and whether Šeško can fulfill Shearer’s prediction of becoming the Premier League’s next great striking talent.

As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing remains clear: in a market increasingly wary of overpaying for potential, Šeško represents the type of calculated gamble that could define a club’s trajectory for years to come.

Shearer’s endorsement may just give Newcastle or United the confidence needed to pull the trigger on what could be one of the summer’s most transformative signings.