Manchester United have officially entered the race to sign highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, intensifying competition with Newcastle United, who have been in advanced negotiations with RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old forward, who impressed at the recent UEFA Under-21 European Championship, is attracting attention from top European clubs, with Leipzig demanding a fee in the region of €70 million.
Sesko’s potential arrival at Old Trafford comes amid a reshaping of Manchester United’s attacking options. Despite the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, neither offers the physical presence or traditional number nine profile United’s new manager Ruben Amorim desires. Amorim is reportedly keen to pair a proven striker like Sesko with Josh Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom offer different dimensions in attack. Reports suggest Sesko is open to the idea of joining United, favoring their long-term project.
Newcastle’s interest in Sesko is largely driven by the impending departure of Alexander Isak, who is reportedly close to sealing a €170 million move to Liverpool. The Swedish forward has grown unsettled at the club following a failed wage promise, and his move to Anfield is now seen as likely. In anticipation, Newcastle have made Sesko their priority target. However, they are also keeping a close eye on another Bundesliga striker, Nick Woltemade of VfB Stuttgart.
Woltemade, 22, also stood out at the U21 Euros and has been linked with Bayern Munich. However, the German champions have stalled after failing to meet Stuttgart’s €65 million valuation. Their offer of €50 million plus bonuses was deemed insufficient, allowing Premier League clubs to swoop in. If Newcastle miss out on Sesko, they are expected to make a strong push for Woltemade, who fits their profile of investing in young, high-upside talents.
As the transfer window heats up, the battle between Manchester United and Newcastle is shaping into a strategic tug-of-war over some of the Bundesliga’s brightest young stars. The resolution of Isak’s move to Liverpool could prove pivotal in determining how the rest of this striker carousel unfolds.
