Representatives from Manchester United and Newcastle United have now both arrived in Leipzig and checked into hotels in the city center.
Over the past few days, their goal has been to persuade Benjamin Sesko and RB Leipzig to agree to the transfer. Out of respect and appreciation for the player, these negotiations will take place in a face-to-face manner rather than merely over the phone.
An official decision is expected to be made this Thursday. But who will take the Slovenian player back with them?
Manchester United executives believe Sesko prefers them, as the Slovenian player hopes to join the Red Devils.
Financially, the current situation is as follows: the offers from both clubs are roughly comparable, at around €85 million. When it comes to actually achievable bonuses, Newcastle have a slight edge, and the player naturally hopes the bonuses are realistic.
But the player's eagerness to join Manchester United works in their favor.
The final transfer fee will reach €85 million, but the final price is fully guaranteed for Leipzig to receive.
However, final negotiations still need to take place, especially regarding bonus payments: those triggered after the player reaches a certain number of appearances are more realistic than winning the UEFA Champions League title.
RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer naturally hopes to secure financial planning guarantees. After a disappointing season that saw them finish seventh, such a large-scale transfer would undoubtedly send a very strong signal.
