Sports Articles: How Manchester United Might Sign Sesko

I wonder whether the club is waiting to see what sort of deal is agreed between Newcastle United and Leipzig for Sesko before deciding whether to match it or not.

That seemed to be a tactic we tried with Mbeumo, waiting to see what price was agreed in principle before going in and matching it. Unfortunately with Mbeumo, Brentford hadn't officially accepted a bid, just agreed a rough fee and then decided to go back on that when we made our interest known.

The club I think understands that there is a "Manchester United" tax added to players transfer fees when we declare an interest. Probably in part due to our history of reckless spending, clubs know they can shake us down for more money. So maybe this tactic of waiting in the shadows until a few is agreed with another club before matching it is a way to try and circumvent that additional charge we seem to get.

The rumours coming out of the club is that they feel Watkins is the better player for the next season or two, but Sesko is probably the better long term option (assuming he realises his potential) . If the fees aren't going to be that far apart then it makes sense to spend the extra 10-15m on the younger player with higher potential. Especially now that we have players like Cunha and Mbeumo added to the forward line who have more experience and a track record of scoring in the EPL to take the pressure off a younger striker while they develop.

However, I think that very much depends on how much more Sesko would cost. Newcastle's initial bid that would reach around £70m if all add ons were achieved was rejected. Apparently Leipzig wants around £75m guaranteed, and potentially a sell on clause.

Personally, I think that figure is borderline too much for a player who has huge potential, but as yet hasn't really consistently delivered on that potential. While there are very few examples of forwards leaving the Bundesliga and even maintaining their scoring rate let alone improve on it (which is what Sesko will have to do to be worth his price tag).

I don't expect United to move for Sesko until Newcastle have a solid agreement with Leipzig over both the cost and the structure of the deal. Only once their bid is accepted will United make a move for the player (if they think that deal is worthwhile) .

This move has many of the same hallmarks of a transfer from 21 years ago. When Newcastle agreed a deal for one of Europe's most exciting young strikers, only for Manchester United to swoop in and match the deal and snatch that young starlet out of Newcastle's grasp. If we succeed then I hope that Sesko has as much success as that previous young star striker.

Written by Shappy August 03 2025 12:48:54