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.

Liverpool’s £110m Isak Gambit Backfires, Angering Newcastle

Magpies Dismiss Bid, Insist Striker is Not for Sale

Liverpool have reportedly strained relations with Newcastle United after submitting a £110 million offer for striker **Alexander Isak**, a bid that has been flatly rejected by the Tyneside club.

Newcastle Rejects Liverpool’s Approach

Newcastle United has confirmed turning down an official bid from Liverpool for **Alexander Isak**. Despite the offer, believed to be around £110 million, the Premier League club maintains that the Swedish international is not available for transfer.

Sources suggest that Newcastle officials were displeased with Liverpool’s conduct, viewing the bid as an attempt to unsettle the player. This has led to frustration at St James’ Park, with the club insisting on selling only on their own terms.

Player’s Stance and Newcastle’s Strategy

While **Isak** did not join Newcastle on their pre-season tour to Asia, instead training in Spain, the club intends to integrate him back into the squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season. There are also reports that Newcastle is preparing a new contract for **Isak**, which could include a release clause active from the summer of 2026.

However, there remains uncertainty surrounding his long-term future at the club, with reports indicating a potential £150 million valuation for the striker.

A report highlights that Liverpool’s pursuit has successfully “unsettled” the 25-year-old forward. It is claimed that Liverpool had previously made an informal offer of £120 million last month, only to follow up with a lower bid.

“In a damning assessment of Liverpool’s pursuit, it’s stated that they have ‘bottled it’ and strung the ex-Real Sociedad man along.”

Newcastle reportedly feels some sympathy for **Isak**, believing he has been “badly advised” by Liverpool, who had previously prioritized signing **Hugo Ekitike**.

The Merseyside club’s interest in **Isak** was described as “genuine,” but their willingness to sign him was capped at a figure significantly below the £150 million valuation.

Following the alleged unsettling of **Isak**, the £110 million bid is seen as an attempt to “save face” and appease the player and his representatives, who are reportedly pushing for a move.

The conduct of the Anfield club has caused “bafflement and some anger” at Newcastle, where the focus remains on securing a suitable replacement and a “fair financial package” should a sale eventually occur.

Should **Isak** depart, Newcastle is understood to be prepared to pursue **Ollie Watkins** of Aston Villa.

Currently, **Isak** has been informed that he will not be allowed to leave, with no progress made on potential incoming transfers. Liverpool’s opening offer is considered to have “lowballed” the club.

Craig Hope, a journalist who initially reported **Isak**’s desire to leave Newcastle, stated that Liverpool had “strung along” the striker by walking away from negotiations at a price point significantly under his perceived value.

Market Context

The transfer market for top strikers remains highly active. For instance, in the 2023 summer transfer window, **Harry Kane** moved from Tottenham to Bayern Munich for an initial fee of around £86 million, demonstrating the significant sums involved for elite talent.

Newcastle officials expect **Isak** to rejoin his teammates for training sessions upon their return to the North-East.

United Pursues Man City Goalkeeper in Shock Transfer Maneuver

Red Devils Explore ‘Unique Move’ for Stefan Ortega Amid Transfer Woes

Manchester United is reportedly targeting Manchester City’s custodian, Stefan Ortega, in a surprising transfer development as the club grapples with a restricted summer budget. The club’s limited activity so far, with only three signings, stems from a pressing need to offload existing players to generate funds.

Club Faces Transfer Hurdles

The Old Trafford side has struggled to find buyers for several high-profile players, including Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho. This financial constraint has compelled the club to consider “innovative solutions,” such as swap deals and loan agreements, to secure their primary transfer targets. United’s immediate priorities are reportedly a new striker, a defensive midfielder, and a goalkeeper, with the latter move contingent on Andre Onana‘s future at the club.

Ortega Emerges as a Goalkeeping Option

Amidst uncertainty surrounding Onana‘s potential departure and the need to fund a replacement, reports suggest United has identified Stefan Ortega as a viable option. Football Transfers claims the Red Devils have initiated contact with their cross-town rivals to gauge the availability of the German goalkeeper, whose future at the Etihad Stadium is in doubt.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein previously indicated that Ortega might depart to make way for new signing James Trafford. While Ederson is expected to remain at City, Ornstein noted that nothing concrete had yet materialized for Ortega’s exit.

“The expectation is that Ortega could still leave but nothing is close at the current time.”

—David Ornstein, Journalist

Further bolstering this narrative, insider Fabrizio Romano stated that Manchester City has informed Ortega he is free to leave this summer following Trafford‘s arrival. This confirmation has fueled speculation about a direct transfer between the fierce rivals.

Manchester City have informed Stefan Ortega that he can leave the club this summer following Trafford’s arrival. pic.twitter.com/pE9dJz5L83

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)

July 31, 2025 0 comments

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Liverpool Eyes Isak as Diaz Deal Nears Completion

Magpies anticipate formal offer from Anfield club as attacker pushes for exit.

Anfield officials are reportedly preparing a significant offer for Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak. This move comes as the Reds finalize the sale of Luis Diaz, signaling a strategic shift in their summer transfer activity.

Strategic Sales Pave Way for New Signings

Liverpool has already been active in the market, securing talents like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. The impending sale of Diaz to Bayern Munich for a reported €75 million is seen as a key step in funding further squad enhancements.

Liverpool remain intent to sign Alexsander Isak this summer even after Hugo Ekitike’s arrival. Luis Diaz’s exit, coupled with a likely Darwin Nunez departure, opens the door for another attacker despite confidence in the current options.

However, there are no plans to bid ‘blindly’. Liverpool will only make a formal offer for Isak if given encouragement from Newcastle. Liverpool waiting to understand if Newcastle are now willing sellers, due to Isak pushing for an exit, before tabling any offer. Should they make one, it will be with confidence and not simply a speculative bid.

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 21, 2024

“Full agreement now in place for the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. Fee is €75m. Permission to travel granted and Diaz will leave the club’s Asia tour. He is currently in Tokyo, but expected to travel in next 24 hours.”

—Ben Jacobs, Former CBS Sports Journalist

Newcastle Facing a Crucial Decision

Sources close to the Newcastle squad in Singapore suggest that a formal bid from Liverpool for Isak is expected this week. The club faces a dilemma: either negotiate a lucrative sale or commit to keeping the striker, who has reportedly expressed a desire to move on.

The potential transfer fee could be substantial, with estimates suggesting it might approach a British club record, potentially in the region of £150 million. The decision could be influenced by the club’s financial strategy, especially if Isak‘s push for an exit remains firm.

Anfield Attacking Options Assessed

Despite the significant influx of new attacking talent, Liverpool’s interest in Isak persists. Ben Jacobs indicated that the club is not rushing into any deals, emphasizing that an offer for the Newcastle forward will only be made if they receive positive signals from St. James’ Park regarding their willingness to sell.

The sale of Diaz, who moved to Liverpool from Porto for an initial €45 million, is part of a broader strategy. Since Richard Hughes took over as Sporting Director, Liverpool’s player sales have surpassed £190 million, underscoring a disciplined approach to financial management in the transfer market.

The club’s management reportedly believes they possess sufficient attacking depth even after Diaz‘s departure and the anticipated exit of Darwin Nunez. However, the potential acquisition of Isak would undoubtedly bolster their ranks further.

Real Madrid, for instance, spent a reported €100 million on Kylian Mbappé‘s transfer in July 2024, demonstrating the high valuations of top attacking talent in the current market (BBC Sport, 2025).

The situation remains fluid, with Newcastle management reportedly divided on the best course of action. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Isak makes a high-profile move to Anfield or remains committed to the Magpies.

Liverpool Circles Newcastle Striker in Record Bid Pursuit

Reds lodge approach for Alexander Isak amidst busy transfer window

Liverpool has reportedly made an official club-to-club inquiry with Newcastle United regarding a potential record-breaking transfer for striker Alexander Isak. This move signals a significant shift in the Merseyside club’s transfer strategy.

Shifting Transfer Priorities

While previously indicating a lack of strong feeling about a move for **Isak**, transfer expert **Fabrizio Romano** has revealed a formal approach. This development comes as Liverpool seeks to bolster their attacking options. The club has already secured several high-profile signings this summer, including **Florian Wirtz**, **Milos Kerkez**, and **Jeremie Frimpong**.

“EXCL: Liverpool made club to club approach with Newcastle to discuss record bid for Alexander Isak. If Isak won’t be available, Liverpool can enter Ekitike race. Decision up to Newcastle as they never wanted to sell Isak + offer new deal.”

—Fabrizio Romano, Transfer Expert

The reported interest comes as Liverpool are exploring options to potentially offload striker **Darwin Nunez**, aiming to replace him with a new centre-forward. This potential sale could free up significant resources and make space in the squad.

Newcastle’s Stance and Liverpool’s Interest

Despite **Fabrizio Romano’s** earlier assessment that a deal for **Isak** would be “very, very difficult,” the Reds have now communicated their interest, with **David Ornstein** of The Athletic reporting a figure in the region of £120 million. However, Newcastle’s consistent stance has been that **Isak** is not for sale.

EXCL: Liverpool made club to club approach with Newcastle to discuss record bid for Alexander Isak.

If Isak won’t be available, Liverpool can enter Ekitike race.

Decision up to Newcastle as they never wanted to sell Isak + offer new deal. pic.twitter.com/jNIZKj53r5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025

Alternative Targets and Market Dynamics

**Romano** also highlighted **Hugo Ekitike** as a potential target for Liverpool, particularly if **Nunez** departs. Interest from other clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, in **Ekitike** suggests a competitive market for attacking talent.

Last season, **Alexander Isak** contributed significantly to Newcastle’s attack, scoring 14 goals in 30 Premier League appearances. His market value reflects his impact and potential, with clubs willing to invest heavily to secure his services.