Arsenal have been preparing for Sesko's deal for many years but everything has changed dramatically when sporting director Andrea Berta changed the target to Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners were also discouraged by financial requirements and the complexity of working with Sesko's agency. When Arsenal withdrew, they realized that they were the only team really pursuing this deal.
Man United initially focused on Liam Delap. As Chelsea are set to activate a £30 million release clause, the Red Devils have moved to Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike. At that time, even Newcastle thought they would have a hard time competing financially despite their high appreciation and hoping to own Sesko.
Sesko has told his Leipzig teammates that he would leave if "a special club" paid him from 80-90 million Euros. Despite needing to earn 100 million euros from selling players, Leipzig is not forced to sell Sesko. When Arsenal withdrew, they prioritized selling others and preparing for the new season with the Slovenia striker.
After losing Delap, Man United at that time prioritized two "number 10" positions in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation over the center forward. They recruited Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo respectively. As the Mbeumo deal was nearing completion, CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox joined a fishing trip to Iceland at the invitation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, an event that was said to have shaped their strategy for the rest of the transfer window.
In the US, meetings between Amorim, Berrada and Wilcox have put Sesko at number one. Joel and Avram Glazer were also present at the hotel where the discussions took place and agreed the plan, despite the decision had been made in advance. If Sesko is missing, Man United will target Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson.
Christopher Vivell - Man United's recruitment director plays an important role. He took Sesko from Domzale (Slovenia) to Red Bull Salzburg in 2018. After that, Vivell continued to work with Sesko at Leipzig. He did not have to convince Berrada, Wilcox or Amorim about the 22-year-old striker's ability, because Man United have been following him for 7 years, collecting enough data and reports. The Old Trafford side have also targeted Sesko in 2023 and 2024 before buying Hojlund and Zirkzee respectively.
Newcastle have also been chasing Sesko for a long time, having come close to a deal in 2022 (the same year Isak came from Real Sociedad). As the possibility of Isak leaving increased, the "Magpies" immediately took action.
Ruben Amorim held a Zoom call with Sesko, while negotiation director Matt Hargreaves repeatedly met with agent Elvis Basanovic. In Newcastle, the absence of a sporting director and CEO has forced recruitment head Steve Nickson to work directly with the 22-year-old striker.
Newcastle sent an opening offer of 75 million Euros + 5 million add-ons. Basanovic flew to Leipzig to meet after the friendly match with Atalanta. Newcastle's proposal is not enough to make Leipzig nod, but if it reaches the threshold of 85 million Euros, it could close quickly. However, the intervention of Man United changed the situation. The "Red Devils" are not in a hurry to put up a price, they are waiting for a clear signal that Old Trafford is Sesko's priority destination, as Mr. Mbeumo did with Brentford.
The final signal has also come, although Newcastle have improved their offer to at least 80 million Euros. Man United believes that if Sesko wants to go to Newcastle, the deal is over. On the morning of August 5 (Vietnam time), M.U sent a request of 75 million Euros + 10 million add-ons. On the same day, Newcastle reached a deal of 82.5 million Euros + 2.5 million add-ons with Leipzig. However, everyone understands that Benjamin Sesko has chosen Man United.
Hargreaves and Vivell stayed at Leipzig to make a deal. The result was 76.5 million Euros + 8.5 million add-ons, a total of 85 million Euros (the fixed fee is 6 million less than Newcastle). The deal was finalised very quickly at the time.
In terms of income, Man United insists they are not paying more than Newcastle, while the "Magpies" said their salary structure cannot exceed 200,000 pounds/week (including bonuses). Other factors such as Isak's uncertainty about his future have not helped Newcastle. Not for the first time this summer, The Magpies cannot say clearly with a transfer target whether they will be able to play alongside the Swedish striker.
In contrast, Sesko can be confident that he will go to Old Trafford as the first choice. Man United are ready to sell Rasmus Hojlund or lend him if it does not reach the desired level.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not want to waste his time and the Amorim - Berrada - Wilcox trio was given maximum confidence. The fact that the potential spending is more than 200 million pounds is clear evidence. For Sesko, Man United finally have the striker they have been looking for for a long time, but the summer transfer window of 2025 at Old Trafford may not be over yet.
