Alan Shearer delivers honest verdict on Benjamin Sesko to Man United transfer

Alan Shearer delivers honest verdict on Benjamin Sesko to Man United transfer

Newcastle are set to miss out on the signing of Benjamin Sesko, who is expected to join Manchester United in a record-breaking deal

Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on Man United signing Benjamin Sesko (Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Alan Shearer admits it would be "disappointing again from Newcastle" if they miss out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United - particularly given their vastly superior 2024/25 campaign compared to their rivals.

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The Magpies enjoyed a remarkable year as Eddie Howe guided them to their first piece of silverware in over half a century while also securing Champions League qualification. United, meanwhile, suffered their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th.

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Newcastle also claimed a commanding double victory over United - recording an aggregate scoreline of 6-1 across both fixtures - yet their most coveted summer transfer target appears to have indicated a preference for joining United.

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Sesko has continued to flourish at RB Leipzig and is regarded among Europe's finest young forwards. Newcastle moved first in their pursuit of the Slovenian, amid uncertainty over the future of Alexander Isak, but Ruben Amorim's side have now intervened and appear to have secured victory in the race.

Shearer remains exasperated that another high-profile target seems destined to slip through Newcastle's fingers as they struggle to capitalise on one of the club's finest seasons, reports the Mirror.

He told Betfair: "It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United. 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.

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"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."

Howe has repeatedly failed to land priority signings, meaning Newcastle have found it difficult to bolster their squad before their second attempt at Champions League football.

Former United winger Antony Elanga, acquired from Nottingham Forest for £55 million, remains their sole new addition. They've witnessed players such as Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford all join alternative clubs despite Newcastle's widely-reported pursuit.

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The most significant setback may still materialise through Isak's departure, with the Swedish striker telling the club of his desire to move on as Liverpool hover.

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