Manchester United won the Battle of Benjamin Sesco and snatched him from under Newcastle’s nose. The 22-year-old striker was signed by German costume RB Leipzig for a deal worth £74 million. Reuben Amorim’s team will fire the first £66.4 million with additional £7.6 million with potential add-ons. Sesko signed a five-year contract and guaranteed her stay at Old Trafford until June 2030.
Despite accepting their bid to Leipzig earlier this week, Newcastle was unable to shake up Slovenian International, which supported the move to Manchester. The boss at St. James Park offered Raipzig £4 million more than the Red Devils, but was unable to beat the players. Sesko quickly agreed to the personal terms and the club-to-club contract was completed on Thursday. This allowed him to fly to Manchester that night with his agent Elvis Basanovic. After receiving medical care at the newly renovated Carrington, the former Red Bull Salzburg genius put his pen on paper on the contract.
The acquisition increased United’s summer transfer counter spending to a whopping £207.5 million, and at £62.5 million, following the signatures of Masteus Cuña and Brian Mbeumo. Sesco was able to make his debut next Sunday when the Red Devils host Arsenal at Old Trafford and begin the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Interestingly, Arsenal was discussing the 22-year-old’s move earlier this summer. However, Gunner ultimately chose Victor’s Gyoker, which was originally United’s top target.
Recruitment Director Christopher Bibel played a pivotal role in securing Sesco’s signature. He first brought Sesco to Salzburg as a teenager before signing Leipzig in 2023.
Manchester United had been looking at Sesco since he was only 16 years old, but initially considered signing him from Slovenian club Domesar before becoming a part of the Red Bull family.
During his two seasons of stints in East Germany, Sesko scored 39 goals and provided eight assists in 87 appearances. He already has Slovenia’s 41 caps and represents his country by scoring six goals in Euro 2024 last summer.
Sesko’s pace and physical presence compares to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who also cast a spell in Salzburg before moving on to Bundesliga. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, United hopes to quickly adapt to the Premier League demands.
United’s attention now moves to the middle. Brighton’s Carlos Valleva is believed to be on the radar after contacting him through an intermediary this week.
The Red Devils also aim to offload multiple players, with Chelsea reportedly in discussions to buy Alejandro Garnacho. The arrival of Sesko could mark the end of United striker Rasmus Hojlund, available for around £40 million.
