"I'd prefer Man Utd to buy an experienced striker, so Sesko isn't my first choice," Ferdinand said on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents on 29/7. "But here's a little conspiracy theory: if Man Utd buys Sesko and Newcastle has no replacement, will they keep Isak? Then, Liverpool won't be able to get him."

Benjamin Sesko celebrates a goal during RB Leipzig's 1-0 win against VfL Wolfsburg in the German Cup quarter-final at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany, 26/2/2025. _Photo: AP_

This summer, Liverpool agreed to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for 88 million USD. This sale allows the reigning Premier League champions to reinvest, and they are reportedly preparing a formal offer to Newcastle for Isak.

Isak is a top Premier League striker. Since joining Newcastle in 2022, he has scored 62 goals in 109 matches. In the past two seasons, the Swedish striker has scored 25 or more goals each season (25 and 27). Last season, Isak scored in Newcastle's 3-3 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League and also scored in their 2-1 victory in the League Cup final.

Newcastle initially refused to negotiate when Liverpool approached them about Isak two weeks ago. However, a potential record-breaking 150 million GBP (approximately 203 million USD) offer could change their stance. Newcastle has, therefore, begun searching for a top-tier replacement for Isak, with RB Leipzig's Sesko as their primary target.

Liverpool's pursuit of Isak comes after spending 409 million USD to acquire striker Hugo Ekitike, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, left-back Milos Kerkez, right-back Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Thanks to the sustainable financial management of their American owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool can still afford blockbuster signings.

"Liverpool has had a fantastic transfer window. If they add Isak, the Premier League title race is as good as over," Ferdinand commented.

Alexander Isak scores a header during Newcastle's 2-0 win against Man Utd at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, 30/12/2024. _Photo: Reuters_

The former England center-back also emphasized the dwindling number of quality strikers available. Arsenal recently secured Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, while Liverpool beat Newcastle to sign Hugo Ekitike. In this context, any transfer move could trigger a significant domino effect.

Man Utd also wants to strengthen their striking options, despite already acquiring two attacking players: Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. According to ESPN, Old Trafford has narrowed their target list to two names: Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Sesko, 22, is considered one of Europe's most promising young talents. RB Leipzig is reportedly willing to let the Slovenian striker leave for 90 million USD.

Watkins, 29, is more experienced, with 75 Premier League goals. Aston Villa values him at around 80 million USD. According to ESPN, Man Utd believes both RB Leipzig and Aston Villa are overvaluing their respective strikers.

Hong Duy (_via Daily Mail, ESPN_)