BREAKING NEWS: Newcastle United Take the Lead in Race to Sign Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig in €80 Million Move
Newcastle United have made a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, moving ahead of Manchester United in what has been one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of the summer. The Magpies, who have been aggressively looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, have reportedly secured a crucial advantage by offering significantly improved personal terms to the 21-year-old forward and have now received a green light to proceed with formal discussions with RB Leipzig over an €80 million deal.
The transfer race for Šeško has been heating up for months, with both Manchester United and Newcastle identifying the young striker as a key target. Šeško, who joined RB Leipzig from their sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, quickly established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in European football. Standing at 1.95 meters tall, the Slovenian international combines physical presence, pace, and a clinical finishing ability that has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, another former Salzburg prodigy.
Newcastle United Make Their Move
According to sources close to the negotiations, Newcastle United’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe, made the decision to step up their pursuit after weeks of monitoring the situation. The Magpies have reportedly increased their personal terms offer to Šeško, making their proposal more financially attractive than the one currently on the table from Manchester United.
Šeško, who has been considering his options carefully, is said to be intrigued by Newcastle’s ambitious project under their Saudi-backed ownership. The club has made significant strides since their takeover, qualifying for the Champions League last season and showing clear intent to challenge the Premier League’s traditional “Big Six.” Sources suggest that Šeško has now given Newcastle the green light to proceed with formal talks with Leipzig, bringing the Tyneside club closer than ever to sealing a blockbuster deal.
The proposed package is expected to be worth €80 million, a figure that reflects both Šeško’s current ability and his immense potential. Negotiations with RB Leipzig are reportedly entering an advanced stage, and there is a growing belief among Newcastle officials that the deal could be finalized in the coming weeks if all parties reach an agreement on payment structure and potential add-ons.
Manchester United Fall Behind in the Chase
For Manchester United, the news comes as a setback in what has been a challenging transfer window. Erik ten Hag’s side had been heavily linked with Šeško as part of their efforts to revamp their forward line. While Rasmus Højlund was signed last season as the club’s long-term number nine, United were seeking a versatile forward capable of easing the burden on the Danish striker and providing competition across the attacking line.
Manchester United had reportedly made their interest clear early in the summer and even held exploratory talks with Šeško’s representatives. However, their offer of personal terms did not match the lucrative package Newcastle put forward, leaving the Red Devils trailing in the race. Financial constraints and an ongoing need to offload fringe players have also slowed down United’s activity in the market, allowing Newcastle to capitalize.
Šeško’s Rise and Why He Fits Newcastle’s Ambitions
Benjamin Šeško’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. After impressing in the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 16 goals in 30 appearances in his final season, he moved to RB Leipzig to test himself in the German Bundesliga. His debut season in Germany showcased glimpses of his enormous potential. Despite limited starts, he managed to contribute goals and consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to higher-level competition.
For Newcastle, Šeško represents the perfect combination of youth, talent, and long-term value. Eddie Howe has prioritized signing players who can grow with the team, and Šeško’s profile fits that vision perfectly. With his height and athleticism, he offers a dominant aerial threat, while his mobility and technical ability allow him to link up effectively with midfielders and wingers.
Pairing Šeško with the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson gives Newcastle a formidable attacking trio capable of competing at the highest level. Moreover, his signing would further underline Newcastle’s transformation from a relegation-threatened club to an ambitious contender for both domestic and European honors.
RB Leipzig Set for Windfall
RB Leipzig, known for their successful buy-and-develop strategy, appear poised to benefit financially from the deal. The Bundesliga side secured Šeško from Salzburg for a relatively modest fee due to their Red Bull network, and an €80 million transfer would represent a massive profit after just one season.
Leipzig’s model has always revolved around nurturing young talents and selling them for significant fees, and Šeško’s departure would follow in the footsteps of other high-profile exits such as Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool and Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea. Leipzig are expected to reinvest the funds in reinforcing their squad, particularly in attack, as they prepare for another Bundesliga and Champions League campaign.
What’s Next in the Transfer Saga?
While Newcastle United are now in the driving seat, the deal is not yet finalized. Both clubs must still agree on the exact structure of the €80 million package, which is likely to include performance-related add-ons. Personal terms between Šeško and Newcastle are close to being agreed upon, with reports suggesting the striker could earn a significant increase from his current Leipzig wages.
Once the formalities are complete, the move would mark a major statement of intent from Newcastle as they continue their rapid rise under Eddie Howe. It would also represent one of the biggest signings in the club’s modern history, both in terms of transfer fee and global attention.
For Manchester United, the potential loss of Šeško will force them to re-evaluate their attacking options as the new season approaches. The club may now pivot to alternative targets, but missing out on a talent like Šeško will sting, particularly given the long-standing interest and their ongoing need for young attacking reinforcements.
Fans React to the Breaking News
Newcastle fans have taken to social media to express their excitement at the prospect of Šeško arriving at St James’ Park. Many see the move as another clear sign of the club’s ambition to compete with the Premier League elite. “Šeško is exactly the kind of signing we need – young, hungry, and with world-class potential,” one supporter posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Manchester United fans, meanwhile, have reacted with frustration, with some criticizing the club’s transfer strategy and inability to compete financially with emerging Premier League forces like Newcastle. “Another one that got away,” a United fan wrote. “We’ve been watching Šeško for two years, and now Newcastle might get him because we can’t act fast enough.”
Conclusion
The race for Benjamin Šeško appears to be reaching its climax, and Newcastle United have emerged as the clear frontrunners. By offering improved personal terms and demonstrating a bold transfer strategy, the Magpies have positioned themselves to secure one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers for a club-record €80 million deal.
If completed, the move would not only strengthen Newcastle’s squad but also send a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League: the Magpies are here to stay as a serious force in English football. Meanwhile, Manchester United may be left to reflect on another missed opportunity as they continue their search for reinforcements.
At just 21 years old, Benjamin Šeško’s career is only beginning, but his next step could define the trajectory of both his career and Newcastle United’s ambitious project.
