RB Leipzig Rejects Newcastle's Bid for Benjamin Šeško Amid Transfer Interest from Manchester United

RB Leipzig has issued a clear response to Newcastle United’s club-record offer for their emerging Slovenian forward, Benjamin Šeško. The Bundesliga club has rejected Newcastle’s proposed package, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation or potentially a bidding war.

Newcastle submitted a formal offer worth €75 million (£65.5 million) plus €5 million in add-ons, meeting RB Leipzig’s initial valuation. However, Leipzig declined the offer, insisting on at least €70 million guaranteed upfront, along with a required future sell-on clause—terms that Newcastle did not include in the proposal.

RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer confirmed that multiple clubs have lodged interest and that Šeško was deliberately removed from their pre-season friendly squad against Atalanta to manage the situation strategically.

Manchester United remains actively interested. While they have yet to submit a formal bid, they have opened discussions with Leipzig and are keeping close tabs on Šeško’s preference before potentially making a move—and are even prepared to include Rasmus Højlund as a makeweight in negotiations.

Šeško was notably excluded from Leipzig’s friendly squad against Atalanta, further fueling speculation about an imminent departure. It is reported that he has informed teammates that he expects to leave in this window.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Šeško holds a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig: if he expresses a desire to leave and views the club pursuing him as “special,” the club may allow his sale at a reduced rate—likely between €70–80 million plus €5–10 million in add-ons.

That said, reputable outlets affirm Leipzig remains firm: they expect a base fee of at least €75–80 million plus add-ons and a sell‑on clause to part ways with the striker.

Further talks are scheduled between RB Leipzig and interested clubs, as Newcastle and Manchester United both continue negotiations. Šeško’s final decision remains undecided, with both clubs yet to guarantee him the role or platform he seeks—especially given United’s lack of Champions League football versus Newcastle’s project.

In the background, Newcastle remain conscious of the potential departure of Alexander Isak, who may push for a move to Liverpool. Šeško is seen as a potential replacement should Isak be sold for a reported asking price of £150 million.

RB Leipzig has clearly signaled that Newcastle’s proposal falls short, both in structure and long-term financial terms. With Manchester United still in the race and Šeško yet to make a definitive decision, the forward’s future hinges on whether interested clubs can meet Leipzig’s valuation and present a project compelling enough for the player himself.