Man Utd Transfer News: Manchester United and Newcastle United Lock Horns in Battle for Benjamin Šeško – Striker’s Decision Imminent
As the 2025 summer transfer window heats up, Benjamin Šeško, one of Europe’s most coveted young strikers, finds himself at the center of a high-profile transfer battle between Manchester United and Newcastle United. The 21-year-old Slovenian forward, currently playing for RB Leipzig, is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days, with both Premier League clubs making strong cases to secure his signature.
Šeško’s name has long been on the radar of top European sides. His blend of physical power, clinical finishing, and impressive movement has earned comparisons to Erling Haaland. Now, with Leipzig open to letting the striker move—either this summer or next via a release clause—the race to sign him is truly on. The outcome of this tug-of-war could significantly shape both Manchester United and Newcastle’s attacking prospects for years to come.
—
A Rising Star on the European Stage
Benjamin Šeško first caught the footballing world’s attention during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, where he impressed with his athleticism and mature decision-making. His move to Leipzig in 2023 was seen as the natural next step in the Red Bull football model, and in his first full Bundesliga season, he has scored 18 goals in all competitions, despite often sharing minutes with more experienced teammates.
Standing at 6’5”, Šeško combines traditional target-man attributes with modern striker traits: acceleration, clever positioning, and link-up play. At just 21, he’s viewed as one of the few center-forwards in world football with the potential to dominate elite European defenses in the years to come.
Given the scarcity of elite young strikers, it’s no surprise that multiple clubs have made him a priority signing—with Manchester United and Newcastle currently leading the race.
—
Manchester United: Šeško the Solution to Long-Term No. 9 Void?
Manchester United’s need for another striker is no secret. While Rasmus Højlund has shown promising signs and finished last season in double figures, Erik ten Hag (or Ruben Amorim, if appointed) wants depth, competition, and a consistent goal threat to spearhead the club’s return to elite status.
Šeško fits the bill perfectly. He offers a profile that complements Højlund—tall, mobile, composed—and could even allow United to play with two strikers in select games. More importantly, his acquisition would mean that United avoid reliance on one young forward and could build a rotating strike force capable of handling Premier League and European demands.
According to reports, United have been in talks with the player’s representatives for weeks and are prepared to offer a long-term project, a leading role in attack, and a step into the global spotlight at one of the world’s most recognized clubs.
United are also said to be exploring a deal structure around Šeško’s £55 million release clause, which activates in 2026—but they are keen to bring him in sooner to avoid a bidding war.
—
Newcastle United: Project Sales Pitch and First-Team Guarantees
While Manchester United offer glamour and global appeal, Newcastle United have made a compelling case of their own. Backed by the Saudi PIF, the Magpies are building one of England’s most ambitious long-term projects and have identified Šeško as the striker to lead the line for years to come.
With Callum Wilson aging and Alexander Isak’s future occasionally subject to transfer speculation, Newcastle want to secure another elite-level striker—and they can offer Šeško something Manchester United may not: guaranteed first-team football as a central figure in the attack.
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle play high-tempo, pressing football, which aligns with Šeško’s strengths. The club has also impressed with its recent player development, helping stars like Isak, Bruno Guimarães, and Sven Botman grow into Premier League standouts.
Financially, Newcastle are in a position to meet Leipzig’s asking price and offer Šeško a significant wage package. The Magpies are also prepared to include performance-based incentives to reflect his importance to their project.
—
Decision Imminent: What’s at Stake?
According to insiders close to the player, Šeško is currently weighing his options carefully. He is believed to be focused on first-team assurances, European competition prospects, and long-term development rather than simply picking the highest wage offer.
A source told Sky Germany:
> “Benjamin wants the right environment for growth. He knows he has a lot to learn still and wants to be at a club where he plays regularly and develops under the right coach.”
Both clubs have their pros and cons:
Criteria Manchester United Newcastle United
Club stature Global powerhouse Ambitious, growing project
First-team status Rotation with Højlund Potential guaranteed starter
Manager stability Unclear (Amorim incoming) Stable under Eddie Howe
European football Europa League/Champions League Champions League regulars
Wage package Competitive, slightly lower Higher, performance-based
Playing style Possession-based (Amorim) High tempo, pressing under Howe
Šeško is expected to make a final decision within the next two weeks, with both clubs pushing to close the deal before the end of August. Leipzig are open to selling this summer, especially if the player indicates he won’t renew beyond 2026.
—
What Happens If United Miss Out?
Manchester United cannot afford to put all their eggs in the Šeško basket. While he is a priority, the club is also monitoring other targets, including:
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
Brian Brobbey (Ajax)
Jonathan David (Lille)
Missing out on Šeško would be a blow, especially considering his age and upside. It would also reflect the increasing competition United now face from clubs like Newcastle, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in the transfer market.
—
For Newcastle: Landing Šeško Would Be a Statement
If Newcastle win the race, it would represent a major coup—signaling that the club can now beat traditional giants like Manchester United to elite young talents. It would also further solidify the Magpies as serious long-term contenders, with a spine built around young stars and elite potential.
Šeško would arrive not just as a signing but as a symbol of Newcastle’s ambition: to evolve from top-four hopefuls to eventual title challengers.
—
Final Thoughts: The Battle Is Real, and the Clock Is Ticking
As Benjamin Šeško edges closer to a career-defining decision, both Manchester United and Newcastle United remain locked in a transfer tug-of-war that could shape their attacking future. For United, he represents a long-term successor to a storied line of strikers. For Newcastle, he’s a foundational piece in their next phase of evolution.
Wherever he chooses, Šeško is poised to take the next step in what many believe will be a stellar career. The only question is whether that journey continues at Old Trafford or St. James’ Park.
#MUFC | #NUFC | #Šeško | #TransferNews | #PremierLeague | #RBLeipzig
Leave a Reply