With the transfer window heating up, strikers are dominating the market—and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško is now at the heart of a growing tug-of-war between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Previously a top target for Arsenal before they secured Viktor Gyökeres, Šeško has emerged as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who is heavily linked with a record-breaking move to Liverpool. At the same time, United are exploring a deal for the Slovenian international as they continue searching for a reliable No. 9.
Šeško, valued at €70 million, enjoyed his best season to date in 2024/25 with 21 goals and 6 assists. At 22 and standing at 6’5″, comparisons to Erling Haaland—another former Salzburg striker—are inevitable. However, Transfermarkt Germany’s Alexander Binder believes a more accurate comparison is Darwin Núñez, citing Šeško’s rawness, explosive athleticism, and need for refinement.
“Šeško is a quick, physically dominant centre-forward who thrives in transitions and is a real aerial threat,” Binder explained. “He’s not the finished product yet, but his style of play suits the Premier League well.”
Šeško has improved steadily since arriving at Leipzig, evolving from impact sub to regular starter, and tripling his market value in the process. However, finishing remains a weak point—he’s consistently among the Bundesliga players with the most big chances missed.
Still, Binder believes the Premier League is a “natural fit” for the Slovenian. “His pace and physicality will be a real handful for defenders. It’s a great tactical match, but he’ll need to sharpen his finishing to reach elite level.”
While Šeško may not be ready to explode immediately in England, both Newcastle and Manchester United appear willing to bet on his ceiling. The question now is: can he make the leap—and deliver on the hype—on one of football’s biggest stages?
