Benjamin Šeško Picks Between Man United and Newcastle as ‘Agreement in Principle’ Is Reached
Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly locked in a high-stakes tug-of-war for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, with the Slovenian forward now said to be leaning toward Old Trafford despite Newcastle’s strong pursuit. Recent reports suggest an agreement in principle has been reached between Šeško and Manchester United—just as the Magpies prepare a potential club-record bid to replace Alexander Isak. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown.
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🔍 Šeško’s Profile & Career Path
Age: 22 (born in 2003)
Clubs: Developed through Red Bull Salzburg before a €20 million move to RB Leipzig in 2023
Performance: 39 goals in 85 appearances, including 13 Bundesliga goals, four in the Champions League, and four in the DFB-Pokal in 2024–25
Contract: Extended with Leipzig until 2029, reportedly without a formal release clause—but with a gentleman’s agreement to allow a move in summer 2025 under the right terms
Valuation: Estimated at €70–80 million (£60–70 m) with add-ons, depending on the suitor and deal structure
Šeško’s waiting another season in Germany reflects a commitment to consistent development before making a major English transition.
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⚽ Tottenham Interest & Premier League Race
Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, and Newcastle were reportedly tracking Šeško throughout 2024 and early 2025
Arsenal initially led the chase but ultimately pivoted to Viktor Gyökeres, while Liverpool and Chelsea also established contact channels but have made no offers yet
Reports now suggest Man United have firmed up an agreement in principle with the player, giving them a speculative edge despite not yet opening formal talks with Leipzig
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🔄 Newcastle’s Parallel Push
Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s top scorer in 2024–25, has indicated he wants to force a move amid interest from Liverpool (£120 m) and Al-Hilal, creating urgency for Newcastle to find a replacement
Newcastle are said to be preparing a proposed offer worth around £61 million up front, potentially breaking their club-record transfer fee
Šeško is reportedly open to engaging further with the Magpies—and is described as considering Tyneside an attractive option—but his preference appears to lean toward Man United
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📈 Player Preference: Šeško Chooses Man United?
A fresh report via the London Standard states that Šeško has indicated a preference for Manchester United over Newcastle, citing Old Trafford’s prestige, project, and match appeal—even though Newcastle offer Champions League football next season—a factor that many consider a decisive advantage .
That player preference, combined with ongoing contact and an agreement in principle, hints at United holding the top priority in Šeško’s preferred career trajectory.
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🧾 Understanding the Agreement in Principle
Meaning: This is not a binding contract with Leipzig. Rather, it’s a preliminary understanding between player and potential club—indicating mutual interest and intent to formalize a deal.
Leipzig’s Position: They hold firm sporting leverage and reportedly will only negotiate if United (or Newcastle) submit an offer in the €70–80m range, aligning with the gentleman’s agreement framework .
Release Clause Status: While earlier deals offered €50–65 m release clauses, Šeško’s latest extension reportedly dropped formal clauses in favor of verbal understanding—a move to protect Leipzig’s negotiating position while preserving Šeško’s exit channel if a suitable project appears .
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✅ Club-by-Club Analysis
Club Status & Strategy
Manchester United Agreement in principle implies Šeško prefers United; they already bolstered attack with Højlund & Zirkzee; no Champions League in 2025–26 could be offset by prestige and project clarity.
Newcastle United Strong project and Champions League prospect; needing a direct Isak replacement; ready to offer record deal—but reportedly second in player preference.
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⚠️ Risks & Challenges
Financial Constraints: Both clubs are potentially stretched—Newcastle due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, United due to reliance on restructuring under INEOS .
Competition: Chelsea and Liverpool remain on standby—they could jump in if negotiations falter or if United stalls.
Player Consistency: Šeško’s profile shows promise, but his form has yet to reach elite levels. He must prove top-tier consistency and adaptation to Premier League demands .
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🚀 What Happens Next?
1. Formal Club-to-Club Negotiation: Either United or Newcastle must submit an official offer aligned with Leipzig’s valuation.
2. Player Medical & Paperwork: If an offer is accepted, Šeško’s physical and personal terms must be completed.
3. Departure of Isak: Newcastle’s ability to push ahead hinges on whether Isak formally requests a move or leaves.
4. Financial Maneuvering: Both clubs may need to sell players (e.g. Rashford, Antony, Garnacho at United; fringe squad members at Newcastle) to fund the acquisition.
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🧭 Long-Term Implications
Manchester United: Securing Šeško would reinforce their attacking rebuild—pairing with Højlund and Zirkzee. It would send a message about ambitious recruitment and long-term focus on youth and potential.
Newcastle: Landing Šeško would mitigate the blow of an Isak departure and maintain their competitive edge in Europe. The striker could become the focal point of Eddie Howe’s forward line for years to come.
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✔️ Summary
Agreement in principle reportedly exists between Šeško and Manchester United, giving United the edge in this transfer race.
Newcastle are actively negotiating as a contingency plan if Alexander Isak departs, and are preparing a club-record bid for Šeško.
The player reportedly favors United, despite Champions League football at Newcastle—making United tantalizing front-runners.
Financial and competitive risks remain, but Šeško remains one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers—a potential generational signing for whoever finalizes the deal.
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