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Benjamin Sesko reacts to Man United interest amid £69m transfer battle with Newcastle

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 12:04 PM ET

Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko this summer, though they’re not alone in the race for his signature.

Ineos have already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the attack, but a new striker is still needed to complete the front line.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United are confident they will bring in a forward before the window closes, and it’s becoming clearer who their main target is.

Both Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins are high on United’s list, with Ineos now deciding between potential versus proven Premier League experience.

This week, United have put forth an offer to Sesko and is currently looking into a possible agreement, following discussions with the player.

Man United efforts leave Benjamin Sesko ‘impressed’

Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Failing to secure Champions League football for the 2025/26 season has already put United on the back foot this summer, and it has forced Ineos to take a more strategic approach in the transfer market.

With no European competition to offer, Ineos have had to do a bit more work convincing players of Ruben Amorim’s vision and getting them to buy into what he’s building at Old Trafford.

Newcastle are also keen on Sesko and they can promise him Champions League football next season, something United can’t match right now.

Manchester United are not giving up on Benjamin #Sesko. As revealed today, #MUFC have presented the player with clear figures and their project. Sesko is impressed by ManUnited’s efforts to sign him.

However: Newcastle are fully in the race and not backing down. An offer is… pic.twitter.com/7JyACpvKmd
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 28, 2025

Still, the Slovenian striker is reportedly “impressed” by Manchester United’s attempts to sign him, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.

Plettenberg also noted that United scouts are big fans of Sesko, and sporting director Christopher Vivell, who knows him well from their time together in the Red Bull system, is equally impressed.

Sesko appears keen on the transfer, but Ineos must still bridge the gap with RB Leipzig’s valuation. They need to meet Leipzig’s asking price of “at least €80 million” (£69 million), as reported by Plettenberg, and fend off competition from Newcastle to secure his signing.

Signing Benjamin Sesko would go against Ruben Amorim’s usual approach

United’s summer signings have all come with proven Premier League experience, and that appears to be by design.

Amorim has specifically looked for players already familiar with the league, hoping they can settle in quickly without needing a lengthy adjustment period.

If the club ends up signing Ollie Watkins, that strategy would continue. On the other hand, bringing in Sesko would be a clear departure from that approach.

The club has been burned before by taking risks on young, unproven strikers – Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles last season are part of why they’re even searching for a new centre-forward now.

Bringing in Sesko would be another gamble, but with a more established squad around him this time, Ineos might feel it’s one worth taking.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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