Benjamin Sesko has reportedly made his decision on where he will be playing next season following months of speculation.
The RB Leipzig striker has been at the centre of a fierce transfer battle between Manchester United and Newcastle, with both clubs identifying the 22-year-old as a key summer target.
Now, a report in Slovenia claims the highly rated forward has settled on his next move — and it could trigger a major shake-up in the Premier League’s striker market.
According to Delo, Sesko has decided to join Newcastle , with the Magpies beating off strong competition from Old Trafford to land one of Europe’s most promising young attackers.
The Slovenian outlet reports that Newcastle’s proposal won out after a drawn-out saga that saw Arsenal, United, and Newcastle all linked.
Arsenal dropped out earlier this summer, opting instead for Viktor Gyokeres, while United had turned their full attention to Sesko after ending their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Benjamin Sesko has reportedly decided to join Newcastle from RB Leipzig this summer
Sesko had been linked with many of England’s biggest clubs after two fine seasons in Leipzig
He now looks set to replace Alexander Isak, who is keen to leave Newcastle for Liverpool
United’s interest was led by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg and has described the 6ft 4in forward as having the potential to become one of the world’s top strikers.
Manager Ruben Amorim had also made him a priority, having already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen the attack.
But Sesko is now said to have chosen Newcastle — a decision that may be closely tied to the uncertain future of Alexander Isak.
Mail Sport revealed on Friday that Liverpool had a £110million bid for Isak rejected, with Newcastle holding out for £150m.
Isak is believed to be pushing for a move and has been training alone at former club Real Sociedad, having pulled out of the Magpies’ pre-season tour with an apparent thigh issue.
Newcastle have made clear that no sale will go ahead unless a suitable replacement is secured — and Sesko has long been top of their wishlist.
The Bundesliga side signed Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 and have an informal agreement to allow him to leave if a suitable offer is made.
It is understood that Newcastle will be expected to pay Leipzig somewhere between £60m and £70m plus add-ons.
Eddie Howe does not want to lose Isak but signing Sesko would soften the blow significantly
Man United viewed Sesko as a possible upgrade for struggling Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund
Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim looks set to miss out on one of his top transfer targets
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and has 16 goals in 41 senior appearances for Slovenia. He has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland for his blend of height, pace and technical ability — and is seen by Newcastle as a ready-made replacement should Isak get his wish.
As for Man United, they may now be forced to explore alternatives. Amorim’s side struggled badly in front of goal last season and were hoping Sesko would be the final piece in a new-look forward line.
Rasmus Hojlund’s future remains unclear, with the Dane insisting he wants to stay and fight for his place — but competition was always expected.
United have also made enquiries about Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, while Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has been discussed too.
