Man United Transfer Chief Ends Watkins Pursuit to Battle Newcastle for £70m Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United Eye Benjamin Sesko as Striker Solution
By Adrian Bishop | Updated: 12:05 BST, 1 August 2025
[PIC: Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig]

Manchester United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has intensified, with a glowing endorsement from the club’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, resurfacing amid transfer talks. Vivell, who worked with Sesko at Leipzig, previously hailed the Slovenian as a future “top player” with “enormous potential.”

United’s Striker Overhaul

After scoring just 44 Premier League goals last season, manager Ruben Amorim has prioritized bolstering the attack. Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves) and Bryan Mbeumo (signed from Brentford) have already arrived, but a clinical central striker remains critical.

Sesko, 22, fits the profile. Standing at 6’4”, he combines aerial dominance with technical flair and pace. Vivell’s past analysis for Bundesliga.com underscores his credentials:

“Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents. He’s extremely quick, strong in the air, mobile, and a real goalscorer. His abilities make him a special player.”

Hojlund’s Uncertain Future

Sesko’s arrival would likely displace Rasmus Hojlund, whose £72m move in 2023 has underwhelmed (4 league goals last term). Despite reports of a looming exit, Hojlund aims to fight for his place, and Amorim believes competition could reignite the Dane’s form.

[PIC: Rasmus Hojlund during a Premier League match]

Watkins Bid Abandoned

United initially targeted Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but a £45m approach was rebuffed. Villa’s reluctance to sell prompted a shift to Sesko, who Leipzig value at £60–70m plus add-ons.

Newcastle’s Rival Interest

Newcastle has also entered the race, viewing Sesko as an alternative to PSG-bound Hugo Ekitike and a potential replacement if Alexander Isak departs. The Magpies’ financial flexibility could test United’s resolve.

[PIC: Sesko celebrates a goal for Slovenia]

The Verdict

With Vivell’s backing and Amorim’s urgency, Sesko represents a high-upside gamble. His physicality and finishing could transform United’s attack, though a bidding war with Newcastle looms. For now, the Red Devils remain focused on securing their top target to revive their Premier League ambitions.

More updates to follow.

Key Points:

• Sesko praised for speed, aerial ability, and technical skill.
• United’s attack rebuilt with Cunha and Mbeumo.
• Hojlund to battle for place despite struggles.
• Watkins deemed too costly; Sesko now priority.
• Newcastle poses threat in transfer race.

[PIC: Christopher Vivell at a Manchester United match]

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