Manchester United have been facing up to a transfer dilemma, after Newcastle United showed a clear willingness to meet RB Leipzig’s €90 million valuation for Benjamin Sesko.
As of Tuesday morning, the German club were believed to be satisfied with the offer - leaving Man United with little time to make a rival bid.
The Old Trafford club had identified Sesko as their primary striker target ahead of Ollie Watkins, believing he was both available and attainable at a reasonable price. However, Newcastle’s intent to rise to Leipzig’s demands complicated that assessment - and put United in a position where they would have to risk going against their pledge not to overpay for talent.
Since Ineos assumed control, there has been a conscious effort to avoid repeating high-profile transfer missteps such as Jadon Sancho (whose transfer situation we also covered), Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund.
In those cases, United attempted to negotiate but ultimately paid inflated fees after prolonged talks.
United are understood to have been trying to gauge Sesko’s commitment as they would only consider a major financial outlay if they were convinced that he is fully invested in joining the club.
Sesko's xG map from last season.Opta by StatsPerform
However, on Monday night it was widely suggested that Newcastle are making their initial €80 million offer - rising to €90m with add-ons - based on signals that Sesko wants the move to St James’ Park.
If the Red Devils miss out on Sesko, they may revisit their interest in Watkins - although a deal for the Aston Villa forward would also be challenging and they have been assessing which other strikers they could now turn to.
It is also worth noting that Man United hope to strengthen in other areas this summer, with midfield and goalkeeper reinforcements part of the club’s ideal recruitment plan.
Spending close to €90million on a single player would almost certainly affect their ability to act elsewhere.
RB Leipzig have been hoping all summer to spark a Premier League bidding war and are now set to land a mega-fee for their star forward.
Labadkotyz
0
buy bowen is better
Colito
1
I would take Watkins than this Hojlund
Toyemnpstu
0
It’s just sesko , won’t do better than Weghorts and Hojlund . Don’t rush to spend money on unproven in EPL player
huhdeinorz
1
Forget Sesko and Watkins. Believe in Rasmus and Zirkjee. look for some old free agents. Buy the goalkeeper Senn Lemmens and the midfielder Garcia.
M 🥶🎂 We want Baleba
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
4
United should have signed Osihmen and forget this average player
Honabeiklr
0
all the strikers mentioning are flop except sesko, Watkins Jackson kolo muani and Darwin are set up of huijlund. Manchester United need to be careful with there transfer bcuz if Jackson is good enough he would not be scared of delaap
hebabcempr
1
united should go for vlahovic from juventus
thank you
booabelnp
1
you refused to pay osihmen 75m now you want to go on a bidding war with an average striker sesko so pathetic 🙄
kandmopty
0
Yenablprsu
0
Forget Sesko and Watkins. Believe in Rasmus and Zirkjee. look for some old free agents. Buy the goalkeeper Senn Lemmens and the midfielder Garcia.
I watched this other game against Everton, if Rasmus is given good chances, he may assist us
Utdw3Stand
0
Man united please sign Carlos Baleba,a goalkeeper and then Garnacho will be our new number 9 he can score goals he is so quick
Garnacho is no Striker, still plays Schoolboy football, he can't hold and shield the ball, he'll be easily over powered and Bullied as a No:9.He is part of the Bomb squad and must go
Utdw3Stand
1
Watkins
Utdw3Stand
3
yardman2024
5
He is not worth 90m. Let him go to Newcastle and flop. No more gambles with unproven players. Try with Obi
diwbkpyz
4
Go for Watkins
wutbceikmr
5
Forget Sesko and Watkins. Believe in Rasmus and Zirkjee. look for some old free agents. Buy the goalkeeper Senn Lemmens and the midfielder Garcia.
wuuadimrsu
0
Man united please sign Carlos Baleba,a goalkeeper and then Garnacho will be our new number 9 he can score goals he is so quick
I don't think Brighton Want To sell Baleba Bro...
Veycdeimnp
6
united should go for vlahovic from juventus
ome33
6
Forget this Sesko and get a goalkeeper and a defensive midfielder. That must be our priority now. Dont rely on Fernandes to play a defensive role. He has lost countless balls that led to goal as happened in the Everton game. He can play the number 10 with either Cunha and Mbeumo upfront. I repeat get a DMF like Baleba. We have enough upfront to waste any time for a bidding war
wubabeiptu
5
Man united please sign Carlos Baleba,a goalkeeper and then Garnacho will be our new number 9 he can score goals he is so quick
Loucdikm
1
Bring Watkins on loan instead
nesacinotu
1
man. united transfer policy is condemnable for missing out on high profile players
ghostrider7762
5
Man Utd are going to buy Nicolas Jackson at last
nesacinotu
2
man. hierarchy not interested in footbal but commercial attitude repeated missed out on high profile players agonising
daoaenptz
4
please let Newcastle have him... can't you copy Chelsea?
Yumcelmo
5
Man United should look elsewhere coz I don't believe in Bundesliga league players, we need experience players