What he said:
During his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former Manchester United defender proposed a tactical move aimed at Liverpool’s transfer plans. His theory: if Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle United might lack a top-tier replacement, prompting them to keep Alexander Isak thereby blocking Liverpool from getting him .
Ferdinand explained:
“This is a bit of a conspiracy theory… if Man United buy him and Newcastle don’t get a No 9, does that mean Isak stays at Newcastle, and Liverpool don’t get Isak.”
He argued that Liverpool’s window has already been exceptional and acquiring Isak would cement their dominance. Preventing that would be a shrewd masterstroke.
Why this matters
Liverpool’s transfers so far: They’ve signed Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong already signaling big ambition under Arne Slot. Adding Isak would make it one of their most dominant summer windows yet.
Isak’s stature: The Swedish striker scored 25 and 27 goals in the last two seasons, making him one of the Premier League’s most lethal finishers. Newcastle reportedly value him at around £150m.
Man United’s potential target: Benjamin Sesko, the young RB Leipzig striker, has been linked with both United and Newcastle. Ferdinand suggests United signing him could trigger Newcastle to hold Isak.
Verdict: plausible strategy or wild speculation?
Plausible chess move: The idea of signing Sesko not just for United’s benefit but to derail Liverpool’s plans is imaginative and opportunistic.
Still speculative: Ferdinand himself labels it a conspiracy theory, not confirmed club strategy. It relies on Newcastle failing to secure a replacement striker.
Massive implications: If this chain reaction plays out, it could determine one of the biggest transfers of the summerand shape the Premier League title race next season.
TL;DR
Rio Ferdinand floated a theory: Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko to deny Newcastle a successor forcing them to keep Isak and blocking Liverpool.
He labels it a “bit of a conspiracy theory,” but admits it could be a clever masterstroke especially given Liverpool’s already impressive summer window worth Isak could be decisive.
It’s unconfirmed but highlights how tight and strategic transfer races between Premier League rivals can get.
