statement issued, Rasmus Hojlund impact, £74m fee

Benjamin Sesko to Man United transfer latest - statement issued, Rasmus Hojlund impact, £74m fee

Manchester United are looking to seal the summer signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after appearing to beat Premier League rivals Newcastle to his signature

Man United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer window (Image: Pat Elmont - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Manchester United are nearing an agreement to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

‌

The Manchester Evening News understands that the Reds have tabled a €75million (£65.3m) bid, plus an additional €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, to secure Sesko's services. Despite Newcastle United proposing a more generous package to Leipzig - the player's personal preference is anticipated to be the deciding factor.

‌

Newcastle are gearing up for a return to the Champions League under Eddie Howe next season, while United will not be offering any European football. Nonetheless, there is hope that Sesko is eager to join Ruben Amorim's squad as they aim to bounce back from a disastrous 2024/25 season under the former Sporting head coach.

‌

Below is all the latest on Sesko's potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

Statement released

Sesko has trained away from his teammates this week while talks over his future advance. And Leipzig confirmed on Wednesday morning that the 22-year-old was working individually again.

In a short statement, the German club said: "Wednesday squad update: Andrija Maksimovic is back in Leipzig, but is training individually today. Benjamin Sesko and Lukas Klostermann are also working individually."

Article continues below

Negotiations claim

Journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in transfers, has provided an update on the deal - claiming that Leipzig maybe looking to extend the negotiations to extract a higher fee.

"Christopher Vivell is working on this deal because he knows the Red Bull group very well, but also Jason Wilcox is being crucial once again in these conversations and negotiations," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"He is now taking care of the structure of the deal with RB Leipzig to change maybe the structure of add-ons, to make it almost guaranteed, the main part of the transfer fee for RB Leipzig.

‌

"So work in progress to reach an agreement club-to-club and then to complete the transfer of Benjamin Sesko. The big signing for United is coming.

"There is a feeling that RB Leipzig want to extend the negotiations because they want to get the best price possible. Manchester United have a good relationship with Leipzig, so they hope this will not be very long.

"So let's see, it can really be any moment because the two clubs are in direct contact and then Sesko is expected to become a new Manchester United player."

‌

Hojlund impact

The MEN understands that Reds forward Rasmus Hojlund is resigned to being forced out by United if Sesko completes a move to Old Trafford. It was revealed in May that the club had planned to sell Hojlund amid their interest in recruiting a new striker.

Sources close to the Denmark international concede that if Hojlund is unwanted, it could lift his game, but ultimately, he will have to seek a move before the transfer deadline on September 1. The Danish striker said in Chicago last week he planned to stay at the Reds but head coach Ruben Amorim refused to confirm if he would keep a player United bought in a £72m deal from Atalanta two years ago.

Verdict delivered

United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, worked alongside a young Sesko during his time at RB Salzburg and the Slovenia international clearly made an instant impression. In his analysis of the 22-year-old, Vivell claimed Sesko has all the attributes to become one of the world's leading players.

‌

"Benjamin Sesko is among the game's top young talents - and has enormous potential to become a top player," Vivell said, per Bundesliga.com. He has all the qualities to do that. He's extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air.

"Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6ft 4in height) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile."

Rejection explained

United first tried to sign Sesko three years ago; however, a £21million deal was already in place for the striker to leave RB Salzburg after four years in Austria.

‌

Sesko addressed interest from United, during a 2023 interview with The Telegraph, before RB Leipzig played Manchester City in that year's Champions League group stages. "The thing is, I was not really into that kind of conversation, but I think it was better just to come here," the Slovenia international said.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

‌

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

Article continues below

Click here to read article