(Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Manchester United have submitted their opening offer for first-choice centre-forward target Benjamin Sesko this afternoon.
It comes after Newcastle United, the only other club in the race, made a bid worth £69.5 million on Monday following ‘positive talks’ with both RB Leipzig and the player.
However, German outlet BILD claims the Red Devils have now entered with a proposal of £73.8m in hopes of prising Sesko from the Bundesliga outfit in the coming days. David Ornstein has also further verified such reports via The Athletic.
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester United make offer to RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko. Proposal €75m + €10m – reflects #MUFC valuation of 22yo & they believe striker favours Old Trafford. No reply yet from #RBLeipzig. #NUFC also working to close deal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5O8AT6Alej
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 5, 2025
Benjamin Sesko: The state of play
Speculation has suggested that Sesko is favouring a move to Old Trafford over St. James’ Park even if it means playing no European football throughout 2025/2026.
He had already had his sights set on a Premier League switch since the start of the summer when he was locked in negotiations with Arsenal – until Leipzig’s costly demands priced the Gunners out of a deal and they pursued Viktor Gyokeres instead.
After missing out on the likes of Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Hugo Ekitike – as well as being informed by talisman Alexander Isak that he wants to explore a new venture – Newcastle made it clear to Leipzig they would pay whatever it takes to seal a deal for Sesko, but an agreement can only come to fruition if the Slovenian is fully on board with the prospective transfer himself.
How Sesko has fared in recent years
The 22-year-old has notched 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances for Leipzig over the last two seasons, whilst he also recorded 29 goals and 11 assists in 79 games for sister club RB Salzburg throughout his four-year tenure – albeit two campaigns were on loan with FC Liefering.
United’s pursuit of Sesko is being spearheaded by former Red Bull chief and current director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who played an integral role in bringing the youngster to Salzburg when he was just 16.
