The RB Leipzig forward has been involved in an intense tug-of-war between Manchester United and Newcastle, with both sides viewing the 22-year-old as a top transfer priority. ..Continue Reading
A recent report from Slovenia now claims the talented striker has picked his next club—potentially causing ripples in the Premier League’s striker scene.
According to the publication Delo, Sesko has opted to sign with Newcastle, fending off heavy interest from Manchester United to secure one of Europe’s hottest young prospects.
The Slovenian media outlet states that the Magpies’ offer prevailed after a drawn-out transfer saga involving Arsenal, United, and Newcastle.
Arsenal exited the race earlier this summer in favor of pursuing Viktor Gyokeres, while United shifted their full attention to Sesko after shelving their chase for Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa.
United’s recruitment efforts were spearheaded by Christopher Vivell, a former colleague of Sesko at RB Salzburg, who has publicly praised the striker’s world-class potential and 6’4″ frame.
Manager Ruben Amorim had also ranked Sesko as a key target after bringing in attackers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Sesko’s move to Newcastle may be closely tied to ongoing uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak.
According to Mail Sport, Liverpool recently had a £110 million bid for Isak rejected, with Newcastle setting their asking price at £150 million.
Isak is reportedly keen on a departure, currently training alone at his former club Real Sociedad, having skipped the Magpies’ pre-season tour due to a reported thigh problem.
Newcastle have maintained that they won’t part ways with Isak unless they secure an adequate replacement—and Sesko has long topped their shortlist.
Leipzig originally signed Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, and reportedly have a verbal agreement to let him leave if a suitable bid is tabled.
Newcastle are expected to offer somewhere between £60 million and £70 million, with performance-related bonuses included.
Sesko netted 21 goals across all competitions last season and has scored 16 times in 41 appearances for the Slovenian national team. His mix of size, speed, and technique has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, and he’s considered a tailor-made successor should Isak exit.
Manchester United may now need to turn elsewhere after missing out on Sesko. Amorim’s squad struggled with finishing last season and viewed the striker as the final piece in their attacking rebuild.
Rasmus Hojlund’s status is still uncertain, with the Danish forward expressing his desire to remain and prove himself, though increased competition was always expected.
United have also asked about Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and discussed the possibility of signing Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.