Newcastle’s High Stakes Chase for Benjamin Šeško

As the 2025 summer transfer window reaches its climax, Newcastle United have escalated their pursuit of Slovenia’s rising star Benjamin Šeško, submitting a club-record offer that has intensified competition with Manchester United.

🚀 The Bid: Newcastle’s Big Push

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have formally lodged an improved bid valued at £69.7 million (€80 million) as a fixed fee, plus additional add‑ons. That represents a significant upgrade from their earlier structure of €75 million plus €5 million in bonuses (£65.3 m + £4.36 m) +15+3.

That figure places the total potential package into the £70 million range, and is said to match or slightly edge Manchester United’s approaching bid Sky SportsSky SportsThe Standard.

TBR Football reports that Newcastle’s latest offer may reach €90 million (£78 million), which RB Leipzig sources consider acceptable TBR Football.

Sky Sports confirmed that Newcastle’s second offer—just under £70 million plus add‑ons—is now higher than United’s and under active negotiation between the clubs +15.

Sesko: The Prize on the Table

Benjamin Šeško, born May 31, 2003, is a 1.95 m Slovenian forward currently at RB Leipzig. With 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga appearances and 39 goals in 87 competitive appearances overall, the young striker is a lethal goalscorer with high upside Wikipedia.

Šeško netted an impressive 21 goals last season and has been linked with numerous top-tier clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan +2. He extended his Leipzig contract through 2029 in June 2024, though reports suggested he would be allowed to leave for the right fee Wikipedia.

Interestingly, he didn’t feature in Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta — instead sitting in the VIP area with his agent and girlfriend — signaling his impending departure +2.

The Man Utd Factor: A Rival in the Race

Manchester United remain in the hunt. Their offer is reportedly valued at just under £74 million (€85 million), delivered via an initial £65 m plus around £8.9 m in performance-related add-ons +1.

Some reports, including the Standard, suggest United's bid may even edge Newcastle’s, though Newcastle’s latest package is at least as high if not higher overall The Standard.

Sources indicate that Šeško is open to both clubs, though he may lean toward Manchester United — possibly due to preference for their stature and project +4.

Newcastle’s Strategy: Vision and Impetus

🔄 Isak Exit, Sesko Entry?

The push for Šeško comes amid mounting uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle. The Sweden striker has reportedly requested a move, with Liverpool’s £110 million bid rejected, but tension rising +4.

Newcastle see Šeško not only as a potential replacement, but a future cornerstone in a two‑striker system — possibly partnered with the likes of Nicolas Jackson TEAMtalk.

🧭 A Club‑Record Signing

If the deal completes, Šeško would become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever—surpassing Isak, who arrived for £63 million in 2022 TEAMtalk.

Eddie Howe has emphasized the club’s ambition, declaring: “We only want the best targets” amid a challenging transfer window +1.

Fan Sentiment: Divide and Speculate

Reaction from supporters has been mixed, with plenty of debate on social media:

• Some fans see Šeško as an Isak replacement, meaning his arrival likely heralds Isak’s departure.

• Others view it as shrewd business: sign Šeško, sell Isak, and reinvest in key areas across midfield and defence TBR Football.

Quotes from fans echo the divide:

“Can’t get too excited because signing Sesko means Isak will go...”
“If Sesko signs, then Isak goes—in my opinion. With that money we can comfortably sign the players/positions we need.” +8.

Meanwhile, others fantasize about the prospect of Isak and Šeško together, calling it an “unreal” front two TBR Football.

Expert Opinion: The Simon Jordan Angle

Broadcast pundit Simon Jordan has publicly recommended Šeško join Newcastle over Manchester United, arguing it offers less pressure and greater freedom to develop.

Jordan lauded Newcastle’s recent Champions League credentials, and saw Howe’s -environment as more suitable than the intense scrutiny at Old Trafford TalkSport.

Leipzig’s Stance: Waiting for the Right Deal

RB Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schäfer has confirmed interest from multiple clubs for Šeško, noting they removed him from the team—not as a sign of sale—but to protect him amid transfer talks Sky SportsSky Sportsbild.de.

However, no official sale has been confirmed as Leipzig weigh both the fee and the structure of offers, including add‑ons and clauses Sky SportsTBR Football.

What Happens Next?

⏳ Deadlines and Final Moves

Newcastle are reportedly placing a 48‑hour deadline on Šeško’s decision following their latest offer TalkSportTalkSport. That suggests club -executives expect a quick resolution.

⚽ Tactical Implications

If Newcastle secure Šeško, the club may feel more comfortable moving on from Isak, whose departure would free up funds for further squad upgrades — possibly in midfield, defence, or wide areas TalkSportTBR FootballTalkSport.

Alternatively, retaining both strikers would present a tantalizing attacking duo — if finances and squad balance allow.

Conclusion: All Or Nothing

As of early August 2025, Newcastle's final offer for Benjamin Šeško sits somewhere' between £70 million–£78 million (€80–90m) with add‑ons, edging ahead of Manchester United's rivals who remain close behind TBR FootballThe TimesSky SportsThe Standard.

Šeško has yet to decide, Leipzig are still evaluating, and Newcastle aim to turn the coup with the clock ticking.

For Newcastle supporters, this is more than just a transfer — it’s a defining bet on the club’s ambition under Eddie Howe. For Šeško, it may be the biggest decision of his breakthrough era: a starring role at St James’ Park or the pressure cooker stage of Old Trafford.

Only time will tell which Premier League side wins the race—and whether Šeško truly transforms Newcastle’s ambitions.