A key week lies ahead for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško’s transfer decision, as Manchester United and Newcastle United intensify their efforts to sign the 22-year-old Slovenian star in the 2025 summer transfer window. Both Premier League clubs have tabled offers potentially worth up to €80 million for Šeško, who scored 19 goals across all competitions last season.
With Newcastle presenting their project last week and Manchester United engaging his camp to discuss deal conditions, Šeško is expected to make a pivotal decision soon, shaping his future and the clubs’ attacking lineups.
Šeško’s Rising Star in European Football
Benjamin Šeško has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers, with his 19-goal haul in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season showcasing his lethal finishing and all-around play.
The Slovenian international, contracted to RB Leipzig until 2029, benefits from a gentleman’s agreement allowing a potential exit in 2025 or 2026, fuelling speculation about a Premier League move. His 6’4” frame, pace, and technical ability make him a perfect fit for English football, drawing comparisons to Erling Haaland.
Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, and Newcastle, eyeing a replacement for Alexander Isak, see Šeško as a transformative addition to their squads.
Manchester United’s Pursuit of Šeško
Manchester United’s interest in Šeško dates back to his days at Domžale, with scouts tracking him since he was 16. The Red Devils, aiming to bolster their attack after a lacklustre 2024/25 campaign, view Šeško as an upgrade over current strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who managed modest goal tallies.
United’s head of scouting, Christopher Vivell, formerly of RB Leipzig, has been instrumental in reigniting talks, leveraging his knowledge of the player.
Reports suggest United are prepared to meet Leipzig’s €70-80 million valuation, with a potential loan exit for Zirkzee to Juventus if Šeško joins. The club’s project, despite lacking Champions League football, appeals to Šeško’s ambition to shine at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United are “pushing a lot” to secure Šeško’s signature, particularly amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future, who has expressed a desire to leave.
The Magpies have offered a five-year deal until 2030, with journalist Nicolo Schira reporting an agreement in principle on personal terms.
Newcastle’s project, backed by their Saudi ownership and Champions League aspirations, positions Šeško as a long-term replacement for Isak, whose potential £150 million transfer to Liverpool could fund the move. Leipzig’s €80 million price tag is within Newcastle’s reach, but they await Šeško’s final decision before formalising a bid.
Šeško’s Transfer Decision: Key FactorsŠeško’s transfer decision hinges on several factors, including playing time, club ambition, and European competition.
While Manchester United offer a historic platform, their 15th-place finish in 2024/25 and lack of Champions League football could sway him toward Newcastle, who are pushing for a top-four spot.
Leipzig, aiming to raise €100 million through player sales, is open to negotiations but may hold firm on their valuation. Šeško’s camp has been presented with detailed projects from both clubs, with Sky Germany noting that his choice will precede formal talks with Leipzig’s managing director, Marcel Schäfer.
The Šeško transfer saga has ignited fervent discussions on X, with fans debating whether Manchester United or Newcastle is the better fit.
Some United fans highlight Šeško’s potential to revive their attack, while Newcastle supporters see him as the ideal Isak successor.
Critics, however, question whether Šeško’s one-season dip in form (13 goals in 2024/25 compared to 14 the prior year) signals inconsistency, though his youth and versatility counter such concerns.
Beyond Manchester United and Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have previously shown interest in Šeško, with the former favouring him as their top striker target before opting for Viktor Gyökeres.
Leipzig’s firm stance against a January move, coupled with their financial need to sell players like Šeško or Xavi Simons, suggests a summer transfer is likely.
The absence of a formal release clause, replaced by a performance-dependent €70-80 million valuation, gives Leipzig leverage but also opens the door for a deal if Šeško pushes for an exit.
Implications for the Premier LeagueŠeško’s potential arrival in the Premier League could reshape either Manchester United or Newcastle’s attacking dynamics.
For United, his signing aligns with Amorim’s vision of a dynamic, goal-hungry frontline alongside wingers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. For Newcastle, Šeško’s addition would soften the blow of losing Isak, ensuring continuity in their top-four push.
His 21 goals in 45 games across all competitions last season highlight his readiness for a bigger stage, making his decision a pivotal moment in the 2025 transfer window.
What’s Next for Šeško?
As Šeško nears his transfer decision, both clubs await his response to their offers. Newcastle’s proactive approach and Champions League prospects give them an edge, but United’s storied history and Vivell’s influence keep them in contention.
Leipzig, preparing for potential sales, expects formal bids soon, with the coming days critical for negotiations. Whether Šeško chooses Old Trafford or St. James’ Park, his move will mark a significant coup for the Premier League, cementing his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
