BENJAMIN Sesko isn’t the first striker to have had a choice between Manchester United and Newcastle United. Most famously, Alan Shearer was wanted by both teams in the 1990s, going on to become the Premier League’s all-time top scorer in black and white. In red, however, he would have won the trophies his individual career warranted.

A lot has changed since then, but Manchester United and Newcastle are once again targeting the same striker with Benjamin Sesko in their sights. The Magpies have reportedly had one offer of €75m rejected by RB Leipzig for the Slovenian forward and will surely return with a second one. Manchester United are expected to lodge a bid soon.

Sesko has been eyed by Premier League clubs for years. His potential has been clear since breaking through as a teenager for Red Bull Salzburg. It’s easy to see why Manchester United and Newcastle are interested, but they must be wary because Sesko might not be the centre forward they need at this moment in time.

Last season was a difficult one for Sesko. An impressive Euro 2024 campaign for Slovenia suggested the striker was ready to take the next step in his development, but Sesko netted just 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last term. Seven players scored more goals than the 22-year-old in the German top flight.

Digging deeper into the data, there is further cause for concern. Sesko registered just 8.31 non-penalty expected goals all season, which worked out at a rate of 0.31 xG per 90 minutes. For context, this is the same xG per 90 minutes as Joshua Zirkzee last season. Sesko simply doesn’t get into good enough scoring positions often enough.

Both Manchester United and Newcastle need a centre forward who can hit the ground running. This is certainly the case for the latter, who could be in the market for a replacement for Alexander Isak. The Swede is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and so Sesko would have to improve quickly to adequately replace him.

Ruben Amorim also needs a reliable goalscorer to lead the line. Ramus Hojlund isn’t good enough to be Manchester United’s starting number nine, and so a top-level centre forward has been targeted, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike all linked with a switch to Old Trafford at various points of the summer.

 

There is still plenty to like about Sesko’s game. He is physically imposing, standing at 6ft 5” tall. He is also lightning quick which helps him get in behind opposition defences. Sesko takes up good positions inside the box but is also capable of finding the back of the net from distance. His strike is often ferocious.

Comparisons have been drawn to Erling Haaland, but the Norwegian was also one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football at Sesko’s age of 22. A summer switch to the Premier League might be the catalyst Sesko needs to reach the next level. However, whoever signs him will be taking a risk.

That RB Leipzig are in a position to command over €75m for Sesko says something about the scarcity of quality centre forwards in the sport right now. Everyone wants a Haaland or an Isak, but such players are few and far between. Newcastle obviously already have an Isak, but could now have him prised from their grasp.

For both Manchester United and Newcastle, the success or failure of the 2025/26 season could hinge on whether or not they can find the right centre forward to lead the line. Sesko could be that future. He has the raw attributes to be one of the best in his position. However, there are warning signs that the final product might not be as advertised.

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