Benjamin Sesko ‘taken aback’ by Newcastle United in talks before Man United move

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Manchester United beat Newcastle United to the signing of Benjamin Sesko, with the forward having been presented at Old Trafford on Saturday. 

Newcastle made a club-record bid for Sesko and were hopeful of signing the RB Leipzig forward, albeit the suspicion that he was holding out for a move to the Theatre of Dreams always lingered during transfer talks. 

Now, the Manchester club have their man. Sesko has cost Man United an initial £66.2million and has signed a five-year contract.  

That is a bitter blow for Newcastle, who have struggled to sign a forward this summer.  

They went big on Sesko, who may well have been the potential key to unlocking the door for Alexander Isak. Isak wants to leave Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool, but there is yet to have been any movement on that since the Reds had a bid rejected. 

Now, some insight into Newcastle’s talks with the player has been revealed. 

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Newcastle United surprised Benjamin Sesko camp during transfer talks  

According to The Athletic, Newcastle took the Sesko camp “aback”. 

Indeed, it’s claimed that the Sesko camp did not expect the club’s offer to come in when it did, as it did not follow their plan of how the saga should unfold. 

The report adds that it was probably made when it was to try and steal a march on Manchester United, amid a feeling Sesko always preferred a move there.

They go on to state that Newcastle officials were “crestfallen” about missing out on the forward, having received encouragement that he wanted to join.

Benjamin Sesko explains why he rejected Newcastle for Manchester United

The 22-year-old spoke to media on Saturday, following his move to Old Trafford becoming official.

Sesko was impressed by Manchester United’s plans for the future, though that doesn’t mean he wasn’t tempted by a move to St James’ Park of course.  

“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon,” he said. 

Still, another one bites the dust for Newcastle during a dreadful summer transfer window for the club.

It will be fascinating to see where they go next. If two forwards do not arrive during what remains of the summer, it’s difficult to see a way out for Isak.