Manchester United Eyes Benjamin Šeško Amid Transfer Tug of War as Bryan Mbeumo Set for Debut

Download IPFS

Manchester United are preparing to conclude their U.S. pre-season tour with a fixture against Everton on Sunday, as transfer talks heat surrounding Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško and a debut looms for new signing Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly in a battle to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško, as the Bundesliga club holds firm on their valuation. Newcastle have submitted an initial bid for the 21-year-old Slovenia international, whose omission from Leipzig’s squad for a friendly against Italian club Atalanta has added fuel to transfer speculation. According to reports, any successful offer would need to exceed £70 million to prompt a sale. The move comes amid uncertainty at St James’ Park over striker Alexander Isak, who is rumoured to be a target for Liverpool.

Despite Newcastle’s bid falling short of Leipzig’s asking price, Manchester United are still pursuing Šeško and are expected to engage in extended negotiations. The forward’s absence from the weekend friendly was not officially explained, while his teammate Xavi Simons, linked with Chelsea, missed the match due to a minor neck injury, according to the club.

Meanwhile, Manchester United face renewed interest in club captain Bruno Fernandes. Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have reportedly joined the race to sign the Portuguese midfielder. This follows an earlier proposal from Al-Hilal, which included a salary offer worth approximately €70 million (around £61.1 million) per year, and a transfer fee of €120 million (about £104.7 million) to Manchester United. Portuguese outlet A Bola now reports that Al-Nassr’s manager Jorge Jesus, who previously coached Fernandes at Sporting Lisbon, is leading the interest in a potential deal.

On the pitch, new United signing Bryan Mbeumo is expected to make his debut against Everton in Atlanta. The Cameroon international joined Manchester United from Brentford in a deal that could rise to £71 million. Mbeumo had missed earlier tour matches against West Ham and Bournemouth as he worked to regain full match fitness following a delayed pre-season start. He scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season.

Manager Rúben Amorim confirmed Mbeumo’s involvement in the Everton fixture, stating: “He’s going to play. I’m really excited to see him playing and what he can give to our team. But I was also really excited to see the team playing the last game.”

Manchester United’s summer has been defined by strategic transfer pursuits and increasing international interest in their key players. With the transfer window still open, the club’s squad could yet see further changes in the weeks ahead.