Sesko deal stalls despite Newcastle Utd ambition
Newcastle Utd have seen their attempt to sign RB Leipzig striker Sesko fall short, with the Bundesliga side rejecting a bid worth £65.5 million plus performance-based add-ons exceeding £4 million. While the base fee reportedly met Leipzig’s valuation, the structure and overall package of the proposal were deemed insufficient.
Sources close to the German club suggest that their stance reflects a broader strategy rather than financial rigidity. With the striker under contract until 2029, Leipzig hold a strong negotiating position and are unwilling to accept any offer they believe undermines their long-term planning.
The player was notably absent from Leipzig’s matchday squad in their pre-season friendly against Atalanta, a decision believed to be directly linked to transfer developments. While no move is imminent, the situation remains fluid with other major European clubs monitoring proceedings closely.
Manchester United eye move as Leipzig await new offers
Newcastle’s bid may have set the tone for the summer chase, but Manchester United are also firmly in the mix. Talks between the Premier League side and both Leipzig and the player’s representatives have taken place, and further discussions are expected once United return from their US tour.
The striker remains undecided on his preferred destination. Leipzig, however, are increasingly hopeful that United will formalise their interest in the coming days. The Bundesliga outfit remain calm, confident in their leverage and the forward’s long-term deal, and will wait for a proposal that suits both club and player.
Arsenal had previously shown interest, but the north London side have not progressed any talks and now appear focused elsewhere. Liverpool, too, were briefly linked but seem to have stepped away after testing the waters for an alternative Premier League forward.
Liverpool’s Isak approach rebuffed by Newcastle Utd
Liverpool’s pursuit of a high-profile striker led them to submit a £110 million bid to Newcastle Utd for Alexander Isak. However, the Tyneside club rejected the approach and gave no encouragement that a second attempt would be welcomed. With Isak’s value understood to be closer to £150 million, Newcastle are in no rush to negotiate.
Eddie Howe’s side remain committed to the Swedish forward, although his absence from their pre-season tour raised speculation. Isak has been training at Real Sociedad, his former club, but is expected to return to Tyneside shortly.
Speaking on the Liverpool offer, Howe said:
“I was made aware of a bid yesterday (Friday) and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it. People back in England are dealing with the situation. I don’t know what happens next. From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Transfer dynamics leave door open for late twists
With Manchester United actively trimming their squad to fund reinforcements, there is space within their structure to accommodate a marquee signing without offloading key names. Sesko fits the profile: young, physically imposing, and technically sound—attributes that align with the forward planning at Old Trafford.
Leipzig remain in control but aware that the player’s ambition to join a “special project with a special coach”, as stated by his agent, could yet drive developments before the window closes.
For Newcastle, a new striker remains on the agenda. Their willingness to invest heavily is clear, but the market’s elite remain difficult to prise away. Should they succeed, however, it could reignite Liverpool’s interest in Isak and reshape the dynamics of the Premier League’s attacking landscape.
