**Benjamin Sesko Urged to Favour Newcastle United Over Manchester United Amidst Transfer Scramble**
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is at the centre of an intense transfer tug-of-war between Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Manchester United. With both clubs tabling substantial bids for the highly rated forward, football pundits and former club executives have begun weighing in on where the Slovenian should continue his burgeoning career.
Simon Jordan, the outspoken former chairman of Crystal Palace, has publicly encouraged the 22-year-old to steer clear of Old Trafford in favour of a move to St James’ Park. Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said Sesko would experience “less scrutiny” under Newcastle’s current leadership and suggested that the environment in the North East could prove more beneficial for the striker’s growth and adaptation to English football.
This endorsement comes despite Jordan’s past hesitancy regarding Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. “I had reservations about him in the past,” admitted Jordan, “but I think he’s done an exceptional job since arriving at Newcastle.” Indeed, the club’s resurgence under Howe has been marked by last season’s Carabao Cup victory – their first domestic trophy in seven decades – and a solid fifth-place finish in the Premier League, paving their way back into the UEFA Champions League.
Both Magpies and Red Devils have put forward sizeable offers for Sesko, as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Newcastle reportedly returned with a deal totalling nearly £70 million after their initial bid was rebuffed, while Manchester United is said to have responded with an offer worth £65.1 million plus £8.7 million in add-ons. According to The Athletic, though, Sesko is understood to be leaning towards a move to Manchester, drawn by the prospect of lining up for one of world football’s historically dominant clubs.
However, Simon Jordan maintains that avoiding the ever-present glare of the Manchester United spotlight could be a key factor for Sesko at this stage of his career. “There’s simply not the same daily pressure and microscopic analysis at Newcastle as at Manchester United,” Jordan explained. Drawing a vivid comparison, he quipped, “You could fart in the corridor of Man United – it’s heard around the world. It’s not the same at Newcastle.”
From a managerial standpoint, the decision also comes down to contrasting football philosophies. If Sesko were to choose Manchester United, he would be playing under Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese coach who took the reins after a challenging 2024 season. Despite hopes of stabilising the club, Amorim’s first campaign resulted in an underwhelming 15th place finish and no silverware, highlighting the depth of the rebuilding task facing the Red Devils.
Newcastle, conversely, appear a club on the rise. Eddie Howe has revitalised squad morale and turned the Magpies into credible contenders for both domestic trophies and European qualification. The potential arrival of Sesko could pave the way for Alexander Isak’s departure, with Liverpool already having tested Newcastle’s resolve with a staggering £110 million bid for the Swedish striker. Although rejected, there is speculation that the club will only sanction the move if a new talisman, such as Sesko, is secured beforehand.
For Sesko, the move represents more than just a new contract; it is a pivotal moment in his professional journey. Choosing Newcastle could offer him a path of steady progression, under the guidance of a manager who is winning plaudits for his developmental approach. Opting for Manchester United, however, would thrust him instantly into the global limelight, but also into a cauldron of expectation and scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Ultimately, with negotiations ongoing and both clubs determined to win the race, Sesko faces a critical decision. Where he lands could have major ramifications not just for his future, but for the strategic direction of two of England’s most ambitious clubs. As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be fixed on the Slovenian star and where he chooses to write the next chapter of his career.