Manchester United have struck a major blow in the summer transfer window by agreeing a £73.7 million deal with RB Leipzig to sign Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest properties in European football, and United have moved decisively to beat Premier League rivals to his signature. The agreement with Leipzig includes an initial payment of £66.3 million, with the remaining £7.4 million tied to performance-based add-ons.
Sesko will now undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his move to Old Trafford, bringing to an end United’s months-long search for a dominant presence up front. Standing at 6ft 5in, the Slovenian forward offers a unique combination of physicality, pace, and finishing ability – qualities that have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, a player he has followed through the ranks at Red Bull Salzburg before moving to Leipzig.
Since joining the Bundesliga side, Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances – the highest tally for any player under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues. That figure puts him ahead of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and new Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz, underlining his status as one of the continent’s elite young strikers.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is understood to have been a long-time admirer of Sesko and pushed hard for the club to complete the deal. The Dutchman views the Slovenian as a long-term solution to United’s attacking woes, especially with the club prepared to cut ties with last season’s top striker, Rasmus Hojlund, who has been made available for around £30 million after scoring just 14 Premier League goals in two seasons.
Sesko was also a key target for Newcastle United, who have endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market. The Magpies missed out on Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool, and now face the prospect of losing Alexander Isak to the same destination. Sesko’s move to Old Trafford is a further setback for Eddie Howe’s side.
United’s spending this summer has been aggressive but calculated. In addition to Sesko, the club has already secured Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a combined £130 million. Clever financial structuring and recent outgoing moves have allowed United to stay within budget while reinforcing key areas.
The loan departure of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, with the Spanish club covering his entire £325,000-a-week salary, has significantly eased United’s wage bill. Additionally, the club received £5 million from Chelsea after the Blues withdrew from negotiations for Jadon Sancho, and could raise as much as £50 million from the potential sale of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign the 20-year-old, who has been informed he can leave this summer.
Sesko brings more than just goals. He clocked a top speed of 35.7km/h last season, ranking him among the Bundesliga’s fastest strikers. His aerial dominance is equally impressive, with the best success rate among forwards contesting at least 60 aerial duels.
United believe they’ve secured a player with the tools to lead their frontline for years to come – a towering, explosive finisher who can thrive in the Premier League’s physical environment.
As United prepare for the upcoming season, Sesko’s arrival marks a statement of intent. Ten Hag’s rebuild is clearly accelerating, and with a new striker now set to lead the line, optimism is growing at Old Trafford.
