Newcastle United have lodged an improved bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko with their latest offer hitting the £70million mark.
Currently one of the biggest names in the transfer market, Sesko has been linked with top Premier League teams including Manchester United and Arsenal. However, Viktor Gyokeres’ move to the Emirates Stadium mean Newcastle and Man United will slug it out.
Newcastle have now taken the front seat in the race to sign Sesko having identified the Slovenian as the perfect replacement for Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move to Liverpool.
With United yet to submit a bid for Sesko, Newcastle’s opening bid which included add-ons was rejected by Leipzig.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Positive talks have been held between Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben, Leipzig and the 22-year-old striker, as first reported by the Athletic. Sesko is understood to be open to both projects but Leipzig are adamant that they will not sell until their valuation is met.
Leipzig are without Champions League football this term and Sesko is willing to take a new step in his career. The German club are yet to react to the latest offer by Newcastle but it’s looking like an agreement will be reached before the transfer window closes.
Sesko’s contract with Leipzig runs through to 2029, but his deal is thought to include a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave. He has recorded 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances for the German club since moving from RB Salzburg in 2023.
If the deal goes through, Newcastle will be willing to sanction the sale of Isak. The Magpies recently turned down an opening offer of £110m from Liverpool for the Swedish forward, who did not feature on the club’s recent pre-season tour, citing an injury issue.
Newcastle value Isak at £150m and are likely to hold out for close to that figure. Not under pressure to sell, the arrival of Sesko might help Liverpool in their pursuit of Isak.
