The breakdown of a potential transfer deal worth approximately €80 million (£69 million) represents a serious setback for Manchester United’s plans to strengthen their attack, especially following a disappointing Premier League season where they managed just 44 goals.
The player in question, Benjamin Šeško, had emerged as the club’s number one striking target.
His impressive physical attributes—standing at 6 feet 4 inches with a recorded top speed of 35.69 km/h—made him an ideal candidate to emulate the kind of impact Erling Haaland had at Manchester City.
Despite early-stage talks with both RB Leipzig and Šeško’s camp, and efforts led by United’s recruitment director Christopher Vivell (who previously worked with Šeško at Salzburg and Leipzig), the player has reportedly chosen to join Newcastle United instead.
According to sources, the allure of Champions League football next season and a promising project under manager Eddie Howe proved more convincing to the Slovenian striker.
Leipzig was reportedly prepared to sanction a transfer under a pre-existing gentleman’s agreement, with a fee in the region of €80–90 million.
For Newcastle, the urgency in pushing for Šeško’s signature stems from growing speculation around Alexander Isak’s potential departure.
The club is reportedly prepared to fund the Šeško deal using money from a possible £150 million sale of Isak, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
If true, this would not only bolster Newcastle’s frontline but also signal serious ambition heading into the new season.
Back at Old Trafford, manager Ruben Amorim now finds himself with limited options up front.
Rasmus Højlund, despite scoring only four league goals last season, has shown some promise in pre-season, particularly during a 4–1 victory over Bournemouth. However, doubts remain about his consistency.
Joshua Zirkzee has yet to adjust fully to English football, and with Marcus Rashford currently on loan at Barcelona, and the futures of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony uncertain, United’s attacking depth appears alarmingly thin.
While new arrivals like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha bring energy and pace, neither is a natural No. 9. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, which typically relies on a powerful central forward to link up play, may need to be revise potentially shifting to a 4-4-2 formation to better utilize Højlund’s hold-up play.
Financial limitations have also played a part in the deal’s failure. United’s inability to offload players on high wages has hampered their ability to make big moves.
Other options like Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson were considered too expensive, and Leipzig remained firm on their valuation for Šeško.
As Newcastle makes a major statement with their pursuit, United are left scrambling to find a viable striker before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
