Alan Shearer has described Newcastle United’s summer as a ‘nightmare’ after the club missed out on top striker target Benjamin Sesko – with the Slovenian poised to join Manchester United even though the Magpies offered a higher transfer fee and the chance to play Champions League football.
Although Sesko has not officially joined the Red Devils, Mail Sport understands that the 22-year-old is leaning heavily towards a move to Old Trafford. Man United’s offer to RB Leipzig — reported to be just under £74million — is slightly lower than Newcastle’s improved bid of £78.2m, yet the player’s preference appears clear.
Speaking to Betfair, Newcastle legend-turned-pundit Alan Shearer delivered a scathing assessment of his former club’s transfer window and questioned whether the lack of key personnel behind the scenes is hindering their business.
‘It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United,’ said Shearer. ‘One that won a trophy last year and is now playing Champions League football this season – and one that didn’t win anything, finished 15th and had a dreadful season.
‘I understand that Man United are a huge football club – not so much a huge football team at this moment in time. I get it. I understand it. It looks as if, by all accounts, he prefers a move to Man United.
‘It’s disappointing again from Newcastle, another target it looks like they’re going to miss out on. And I said it about a week ago – it looks as if it’s been a disastrous window for Newcastle.’
Benjamin Sesko is poised to join Manchester United despite rival interest from Newcastle
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer told Betfair that his beloved club are having a ‘nightmare’
It marks the latest setback in what has become a turbulent summer for Eddie Howe, whose squad is also dealing with the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak.
The striker has made clear his desire to join Liverpool and was left out of both training and a recent team family day amid concerns over his conduct.
Newcastle rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool and remain determined not sell Isak until a replacement is secured — a plan now complicated by Sesko’s stance.
‘What should’ve been a brilliant window on the back of qualifying for the Champions League and winning their first trophy for so many years – it’s turning out to be a nightmare pre-season at the moment,’ Shearer added. ‘They’ve got lots and lots of work to do to get ready for the season.’
Newcastle have now missed out on a string of high-profile targets — including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and James Trafford — and Shearer has suggested that problems behind the scenes could be contributing to the lack of progress.
He went on: ‘Why can’t Newcastle get business done? I don’t know whether it’s to do with the fact they don’t have a Chief Executive or Sporting Director.
‘They’ve known for months now that the Chief Executive was leaving so I’m pretty surprised that one hasn’t been announced as yet.
‘The Sporting Director left a couple of months ago now and they’ve known that – so that’s a big surprise that those spaces haven’t been filled.
Man United also pipped the Magpies to Bryan Mbeumo (left) and Matheus Cunha (right)
‘Whether that has anything to do with Newcastle’s lack of business and the number of players that have said no to them, I don’t know. It’s not a good look.’
Meanwhile, Man United believe Sesko can be the centrepiece of a rebuilt attack under Ruben Amorim.
Sesko scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig last season and has netted more times in Europe’s top five leagues over the past two years than any other under-23 player – including Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz.
Recruitment director Christopher Vivell – who previously brought Sesko to both Salzburg and Leipzig – has been instrumental in securing Man United’s position as favourites, and personal terms between the player and the club are already said to be agreed.
