Klopp suggests Cesco transfer to Newcastle United, Manchester United suffers a major blow

Cesco transfers to Newcastle United, Manchester United suffered a major blow, according to the Manchester Evening News and Slovenian media reports, 22-year-old RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Cesco has decided to reject Manchester United's invitation and join Newcastle United instead. The news was first disclosed by Delo, one of Slovenia's most influential sports media.

Cesco was once the number one target on Arsenal's signing, but after Arteta chose to sign Dzekelish, the Slovenian international became the target of Manchester United and Newcastle. However, after missing Liam Drapp and Dzecores this summer, United turned their attention to Cesco. Although Sky Sports in Germany had hinted that Manchester United was the next one for Sesco, Newcastle eventually convinced Sesco with its sincere offer.

Klopp, as Red Bull's global football director, advised Sesco to avoid travelling to Old Trafford, fearing that the competitive environment there could adversely affect his career. This suggestion had a significant impact on Sesco's decision, prompting him to reach a personal agreement with Newcastle. Cesco is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Magpie, with transfer fees of up to 80 million to 90 million euros, demonstrating Newcastle's ambitions after returning to the Champions League.

Newcastle ranked fifth in the Premier League with 66 points last season and qualified to participate in the Champions League. With Alexander Isaac likely to leave the team, the "Magpies" urgently need to strengthen the front line, and Sesco is regarded as a key figure in improving the team's offensive ability. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Sesco scored 25 goals and contributed 8 assists for Leipzig, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe.

For Manchester United, if Cesco eventually joins Newcastle, Oli Watkins may be their next target for signing. The failure to sign Sesco this time not only made Manchester United miss a very promising new star, but also once again exposed the club's disadvantage in the battle for key players.