Sesko Sets Transfer Deadline: Man Utd Waits on Striker’s Decision

Newcastle issues ultimatum as race for RB Leipzig star intensifies

The highly sought-after striker Benjamin Sesko faces a critical decision point as Newcastle United has set a firm deadline for his transfer confirmation. Manchester United, meanwhile, is holding back on making a bid, adopting a ‘wait-and-see’ approach.

Newcastle’s Ambitious Offer Meets Resistance

The Magpies reportedly saw an €80 million bid for Sesko rejected by RB Leipzig. While the German club acknowledged the valuation, they were reportedly unsatisfied with the proposed payment structure of the deal.

Reports from Sky Germany indicated that Manchester United was prepared to match Newcastle’s substantial offer. Leipzig was understood to be open to a bidding war for the Slovenian international, with negotiations for the player’s future continuing actively.

“Further talks regarding Benjamin Sesko took place last night and have been continuing since this morning. Sesko’s agents are still in Leipzig. Negotiations are ongoing. As reported: Manchester United are ready to match Newcastle’s offer.”

—Philipp Hinze, Reporter

The situation is heavily reliant on Sesko‘s personal preference. While Leipzig was presented with an attractive offer from Newcastle, the finer details of the payment plan were a sticking point. United’s willingness to enter a bidding war has certainly complicated matters.

Striker’s Preference Key as Ultimatum Looms

Complicating the landscape, Bild suggested that Sesko has informed both interested clubs of his desire to join either. However, Newcastle is pushing for a swift resolution and has imposed a tight 48-hour deadline for the player to commit to a move.

Newcastle expect an answer from Benjamin Sesko as to whether he wants to join them within 48 hours, talkSPORT understands.

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 20, 2024

Manchester United is expected to only formalize their interest if Sesko declines Newcastle’s proposal and signals his commitment to Old Trafford. Reports suggest the striker may be leaning slightly towards a move to Manchester United.

Financial Scrutiny on Potential United Signing

The potential acquisition of Sesko has also drawn scrutiny regarding Manchester United’s transfer strategy. Football finance expert Stefan Borson cautioned that the club could be setting itself up for a significant financial misstep.

“As with all of these deals, if it works, it’s a bargain, right? It’s £69million for a 22-year-old striker. If it works, he’s worth three times that by the time you’ve had 10 years of a top striker. If it fails, then they’ve got another disaster on their hands because we know that they’ve got a whole succession of failed forwards that they bought over the last few years, so it’s very difficult for United to know one way or the other. They have got to be able to sort of lay their bets and hope, and Sesko will fall into that category.”

—Stefan Borson, Football Finance Expert

Borson highlighted the inherent risk in such a substantial investment, noting the club’s history of expensive forward signings that have not yielded the expected returns. The success of any deal for Sesko, therefore, hinges significantly on his performance and adaptation to a new league.

The striker market remains active, with clubs like Manchester United looking to bolster their attacking options. The ongoing situation with Benjamin Sesko is a prime example of the complex negotiations and player-driven decisions that shape modern football transfers.