Manchester United make £74m bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko- Report
Manchester United submit bid for Benjamin Sesko; Newcastle also in the race as both clubs push for the 22-year-old Slovenian forward.
New Delhi: Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with a substantial offer that could rise to £73.8m, according to reports. The bid includes a guaranteed £65.2m with the remaining amount linked to add-ons.
The Red Devils haven’t received any response yet but believe the valuation does justice to the 22-year-old Slovenia forward and that he is keen to move to Old Trafford. Newcastle United have also shown strong interest in Sesko and had previously tabled a bid of around £69.5m and are continuing discussions with Leipzig.
Man United’s move to get Sesko is viewed as a major step in their attacking rebuild following a disappointing season both domestically and in Europe. Their lack of cutting edge up front was exposed throughout the campaign and despite already signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the club seems determined to bring in another forward.
In the last season Sesko netted 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig. He also brings international experience with 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia. In order to make room for the new arrival, United are reportedly willing to part ways with Rasmus Hojlund which came at Old Trafford last summer but he struggled throughout the season.
Financial balancing act continues at Old Trafford
While United are spending aggressively, the club is also actively managing finances to remain in line with financial fair play requirements. The club arranged the payment structures for Cunha and Mbeumo’s transfers, totaling £130m with favourable terms.
Additionally, Marcus Rashford’s wages are currently being covered in full during his loan spell at Barcelona and the club recently received £5m from Chelsea following the collapse of the Jadon Sancho transfer. Other sell-on clauses for players like Anthony Elanga and Alvaro Carreras have also brought in over £15m.
Leipzig confirm transfer interest as Sesko sits out
Sesko was left out of Leipzig’s weekend friendly against Atalanta, a decision Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schaefer said was due to "very concrete interests from several clubs.”
Newcastle, who qualified for the Champions League after finishing fifth are still in the race but could face the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool which would make their push for Sesko even more crucial, though United’s early move could put them in pole position.