The 22-year-old Slovenian, who was the subject of intense speculation, has chosen Liverpool despite late attempts by Manchester United to hijack the deal and Newcastle’s aggressive pursuit to replace Alexander Isak.
This development, trending across various sources, is a major boost for Liverpool as they aim to bolster their attacking options under manager Arne Slot.
Sesko’s decision comes after Liverpool were initially overlooked in the race for the 6ft 4in striker, who scored 13 Bundesliga goals in 2024/25 and 21 across all competitions.
Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, had made Sesko their top striker target, with informal contacts initiated and their director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, leveraging past ties from his time at Salzburg and Leipzig.
United’s interest intensified as they sought a focal point for their 3-4-3 system, especially after loaning Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and facing potential exits of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony. However, Sesko’s preference for Liverpool, reportedly influenced by their Champions League pedigree and Slot’s attacking philosophy, has left United scrambling.
Newcastle, meanwhile, had positioned Sesko as their dream replacement for Isak, who has expressed a desire to leave, with Liverpool also linked to the Swedish striker.
The Magpies presented a significant financial proposal and a compelling project, but Sesko’s camp, aware of a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig allowing a transfer for €80m-€90m (£69m-£78m), leaned toward Liverpool’s vision.
Social media buzz, particularly on X, amplified speculation when fans noticed Sesko following Liverpool on Instagram and pinning a post from Leipzig’s match against the Reds, hinting at his preference.
For Liverpool, Sesko’s arrival addresses a critical need for a dynamic No. 9. His physicality, pace (35.69 km/h top speed), and ability to hold up play align perfectly with Slot’s system, which emphasizes quick transitions and aerial dominance.
Unlike United’s Rasmus Højlund, who has struggled for consistency, or Newcastle’s reliance on Isak, Sesko offers a blend of youth and potential, with 39 goals in 87 Leipzig appearances. The deal, expected to be around €80m with add-ons, represents a statement of intent from Liverpool, who outmaneuvered rivals despite United’s late push and Newcastle’s financial muscle.
This transfer setback compounds Manchester United’s attacking woes, with Amorim now reliant on Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, alongside new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who are not natural strikers.
For Liverpool, Sesko’s commitment signals a new era, with fans buzzing about his potential to emulate Erling Haaland’s impact. As the transfer window nears its August 2025 deadline, Liverpool’s squad looks primed for a Premier League title challenge, while United and Newcastle must regroup.
