‘Benjamin Sesko to reject Man United transfer after huge fall from grace’
Benjamin Sesko could turn down a move to Man United as the RB Leipzig striker weighs up his options.
The summer 2025 window has been striker-obsessed as Europe’s top sides bid to win over a shiny new forward.
World-class number nine’s are coming harder and harder to come by, with many clubs jumping to the gun to sign potential talent that doesn’t come good such as Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and United’s Rasmus Hojlund.
The new generation of striking talent includes Hugo Ekitike who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt and Brighton’s Joao Pedro who moved to Chelsea.
Alexander Isak is the name on everyone’s lips as his Newcastle future remains unclear following interest from the Reds and Saudi Arabian sides.
Another young prodigy is Leipzig’s Sesko who has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs for a couple of summers now.
The 22-year-old has been linked as Isak’s replacement for the Magpies but is also tipped to join the Red Devils.
Sesko in no rush
In a report by The Athletic (29 July), the Slovenian “is not certain to leave RB Leipzig this summer” but is now one of two options being weighed up at Old Trafford, along with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The article adds that the German side are “under no financial pressure to sell” the striker, despite not securing European football next season.
When the number 30 signed his new contract in 2024, it was understood that if an “elite club – by Sesko’s definition” offered between €80million (£69.2m) to €90m (£77.9m) then the club would let him leave.
Furthermore, from the 22-year-old’s side, he is “not against spending a further year in Leipzig”.
Man United no longer an ‘elite’ side
What could dissuade the Slovenian from joining Ruben Amorim’s side is his personal view of what defines an “elite” team.
Based on last season’s proceedings, the Red Devils were far off that definition, languishing 15th in the league with no trophies to show.
The Portuguese has a huge job on his hands to turn around United’s fortunes and Sesko may reject an extremely out-of-form club that has fallen so far from grace.
Even though both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will be playing at Old Trafford next season, they are taking a chance on a project that may not even come to fruition.
| Man United top scorers in the Premier League 2024-25 | Goals | |
| 1. | Bruno Fernandes | 8 |
| 2. | Amad Diallo | 8 |
| 3. | Alejandro Garnacho | 6 |
| 4. | Rasmus Hojlund | 4 |
| 5. | Joshua Zirkzee | 3 |
For Sesko, it would be wiser to join Newcastle, given they will be playing Champions League football and finished fifth last year.
Moreover, the Slovenian will be well-informed of how the red side of Manchester is becoming a graveyard for strikers.
Hojlund has struggled since his arrival from Atalanta, scoring less than half (10) of Sesko’s 21 goals last season in all competitions.
Joshua Zirkzee, brought in to provide attacking threat up top, had to have his position changed due to his inability to play the number nine role.
Hence, United cannot be classed as an “elite” side anymore and the 22-year-old will most likely reject the Red Devils even if they make a handsome offer.