Manchester United have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth €76.5 million plus €8.5 million in add-ons, beating out competition from Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old Slovenia international is now set to undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract until 2030, completing one of the summer’s most high-profile transfers.
Sesko has been granted permission to fly to England as final steps are completed.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United strike agreement in principle with RB Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko. Deal for 22yo #RBLeipzig striker €76.5m + €8.5m. Slovenia international given permission to fly & do medical before completing #MUFC move @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/mM9R0ipHZn
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 7, 2025
Why Did Sesko Reject Newcastle for United?
Despite Newcastle offering more money upfront — €82.5m plus €2.5m in bonuses — as well as the opportunity to play Champions League football, Sesko made it clear this week he only wanted Manchester United.
The player has a long-standing admiration for the club and confidence in United’s long-term project under Ruben Amorim.
Talks accelerated quickly after Sesko’s preference was made known. United managed to secure a lower guaranteed fee than Newcastle, while Leipzig were satisfied by the add-on structure and the player’s clear intention.
Newcastle have now turned their attention to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after missing out on Sesko, with talks progressing over a potential deal.
Man Utd Transfer Spending 25/26
Sesko becomes United’s third major attacking signing this summer, following Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
With Sesko coming in, United will have spent over £200 million on the trio, continuing a record-breaking pattern for United under the INEOS-led structure.
Last summer’s total spend of £343.5 million was the largest single-season transfer spend in the club’s history.
Though Sesko’s fee will be amortised over the length of his contract, United will still be under scrutiny for how they manage cash flow and financial regulations — especially amid the evolving Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
What Will Benjamin Sesko Bring to Manchester United?
Sesko has long been on United’s radar. The club first scouted him in 2019, then again during his explosive 2022-23 season at Red Bull Salzburg.
Over the last couple of seasons, he developed into one of Europe’s most fearsome young No.9s.
Often compared to Erling Haaland, albeit a raw version, Sesko blends blistering pace, ruthless finishing, and relentless intensity — the kind of striker defenders dread chasing for 90 minutes.
With a 6ft 5in frame and abundance in physicality, Sesko offers variety in the goals he can score: headers, left foot, right foot, and long-range strikes.
He thrives in transition with his explosive pace and offers an aerial presence that United have lacked.
Benjamin Sesko Stats
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 45 | 21 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 42 | 18 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | 41 | 18 | 4 |
Risks and Expectations
While Sesko’s physical attributes and goal record are undeniable, some analysts caution that his mental resilience will be tested at Old Trafford, where scrutiny is relentless.
United are betting big on his ceiling rather than his current level.
With the Premier League a different beast to the Bundesliga, Amorim and his staff will need to develop the striker carefully.
