RB Leipzig make clear Benjamin Sesko verdict amid Newcastle transfer links

Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has brought Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig into the spotlight once again, with fresh reports linking the Magpies to a possible summer swoop.

The Slovenian forward has attracted consistent interest across Europe, and despite several top clubs being associated with his name, Newcastle now appear to be monitoring the situation closely as the summer transfer window heats up.

Šeško has already been the subject of serious attention from Premier League heavyweights such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.

Each of those clubs explored the possibility of bringing the Leipzig striker to England, particularly Arsenal, who were previously regarded as frontrunners in the race.

However, the Gunners have since shifted their focus to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, leaving a potential opening for other clubs to act.

Newcastle, known for making calculated yet ambitious moves in recent windows, have emerged as a credible destination for Šeško.

With other suitors either pursuing alternative options or pulling out due to the high price tag, the Magpies could see this as an opportunity to move ahead in the queue.

Despite the speculation, RB Leipzig offered a subtle indication of their current stance by including Šeško in their matchday squad for a pre-season fixture against ZFC Meuselwitz.

The striker played the first half in the friendly, a match Leipzig won 3-0, though Šeško didn’t find the net during his 45-minute appearance.

Interestingly, Leipzig’s newest addition, Johan Bakayoko, also featured in that same fixture, which may suggest that the Bundesliga club intends to integrate both players into their plans for the upcoming season.

For Newcastle, this could be interpreted in two ways: either Leipzig are trying to maintain the player’s value by featuring him in pre-season or they genuinely want to keep him as a central part of their squad.

There has been ongoing speculation about what Leipzig would demand for Šeško. Although he signed a new contract in 2023 to temporarily quash transfer rumors, that move was seen by many as a strategic effort to secure a higher fee.

As the 2025 summer window begins to take shape, expectations have resurfaced that Leipzig may entertain offers should the right bid arrive.

Sources estimate that the German club values Šeško at around €80 million (£69.3 million), a figure that could test Newcastle’s financial resolve.

Newcastle have already made a major move for a striker this window, reportedly tabling a £70 million offer for Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt.

But Ekitike now looks increasingly likely to join Liverpool, forcing the Magpies to re-evaluate their shortlist of attacking options.

Given this development, the focus may now shift more intently toward Šeško, who ticks many of the boxes for Eddie Howe’s side young, physically strong, technically sound, and capable of fitting into the Premier League’s fast-paced demands.

However, Newcastle’s willingness to meet Leipzig’s valuation remains uncertain. The Magpies must balance their aspirations with Premier League spending rules and internal financial controls.

Even with backing from their wealthy ownership group, committing close to £70 million for one player represents a significant outlay. Still, with the team aiming to build on their European ambitions and deepen the quality of their attacking line, a bold move can’t be ruled out.

Ultimately, Šeško’s future remains up in the air. While he continues to prepare for the season with Leipzig, clubs like Newcastle are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on any developments.

If Leipzig softens its stance or if Newcastle sees an opportunity to strike a deal below the rumored price, the situation could change quickly.

Until then, Šeško’s name will remain in the conversation as one of the most intriguing potential moves of the summer window.