Report: Benjamin Sesko snubs Man Utd as Newcastle table mega bid

The Magpies' bold action comes amid a whirlwind of transfer activity, with their talisman Alexander Isak at the center of speculation. Reports from Slovenia's Delo revealed that Sesko, aged 22, has chosen Newcastle as his next destination.

"Slovenian football star Benjamin Sesko has made a decision. He will continue his career with Newcastle United," the outlet stated, highlighting the club's success in swaying the young forward despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal. The Gunners opted for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, leaving Newcastle to seize the opportunity.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri provided further insight, noting on X that Newcastle's "significant increase in personal terms" secured Sesko's approval. "Newcastle United have taken advantage over Manchester United for Benjamin Sesko! They have increased the personal terms offer significantly and received the final green light from Sesko to proceed with talks with RB Leipzig," Tavolieri posted on August 2.

The deal, reportedly valued at around 90 million euros, positions Newcastle to potentially reshape their attacking line.

This development follows Newcastle's firm stance on Alexander Isak, who has attracted a 110 million pounds bid from Liverpool. The Reds' offer was swiftly rejected, with Newcastle valuing their Swedish striker at 150 million pounds.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reported on X that Liverpool have no plans to submit a second bid, stating, "The nature of Newcastle's rebuttal means Liverpool will not follow up. The offer rejected was 110 million pounds. Terms with Isak were not a problem."

Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe echoed this resolve, saying during a press conference in Seoul on August 2, 2025, "I was made aware of a bid yesterday, and that bid was turned down. We still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."

Newcastle's pursuit of Sesko signals their intent to bolster their squad, especially with Isak's future uncertain. The Swede, who has been training at his former club Real Sociedad, expressed a desire to explore options, according to Sky Sports on August 1. Despite offering Isak a new contract with a release clause, Newcastle are preparing for all scenarios, with Sesko emerging as a prime candidate to either replace or complement their star forward.

However, former footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft cautioned that Sesko's preference may still lean toward Manchester United, posting on X on August 2, "Newcastle have reportedly tabled a 90 million euros bid for Sesko. The player's preference is Manchester United, and to my knowledge, he has not changed his mind."

This suggests the transfer saga remains fluid, with RB Leipzig keen to maximize their return on the 22-year-old, who scored 13 Bundesliga goals last season.

Newcastle's proactive approach, backed by their Champions League qualification, underscores their ambition to compete at the highest level. Whether Sesko joins to spearhead their attack or partners with Isak, the Magpies are making waves in the transfer market, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this gripping saga.