Manchester United have submitted a formal bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the total package potentially rising to €85 million (£73.8m).
The offer according to transfer experts, David Ornstein includes a guaranteed payment of €75 million (£65.2m), and United are now awaiting a response from Leipzig. Club sources believe the valuation is fair and that Sesko is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Newcastle United are also in pursuit of the 22-year-old Slovenian forward and have tabled an offer in the region of €80 million (£69.5m) as they continue negotiations with the Bundesliga club.
United’s proposal is seen as a major development, particularly amid previous reports suggesting they were hesitant to engage Leipzig without assurance of the player’s interest—an obstacle now believed to be cleared.
To accommodate Sesko, Manchester United are willing to part ways with Rasmus Højlund, who could leave the club this summer. Højlund’s future has come under increasing scrutiny following the Red Devils’ aggressive pursuit of a new striker.
Sesko has been in impressive form since joining Leipzig, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances. At 6ft 5in, he would add a commanding physical presence to United’s attack—something manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to add to his tactical arsenal.
Despite ongoing financial scrutiny under INEOS leadership, Manchester United appear to be navigating their spending smartly. Payment structures for the £130m combined deals for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford, respectively, have been arranged in favourable terms.
Additionally, Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-per-week wages are being fully covered by his loan move to Barcelona, and the club recently received £5 million from Chelsea following the collapse of Jadon Sancho’s proposed move to Stamford Bridge.
United have also generated over £15 million from sell-on clauses, including deals involving Anthony Elanga, Álvaro Carreras, and Maxi Oyedele.
The coming days are expected to be pivotal, as Leipzig weigh both proposals. With Sesko reportedly open to both projects, the decision may come down to final negotiations—and how quickly a formal agreement can be reached.