Manchester United have entered in to an agreement worth Euro 73.7 million with RB Leipzig to sign rising Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko. The deal marks a crucial step in the club’s continued revamp of its attacking lineup and signals United’s ambition to hit the top level both domestically and in Europe.
Transfer details
The agreement involves a guaranteed payment of £66.3 million to RB Leipzig, with the remainder structured as performance-based add-ons. The 22-year-old forward will undergo a medical in the coming days and is expected to complete the formalities before finalizing his move to Old Trafford.
Sesko’s signing follows United’s earlier acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer. The club has spent a total of around £130 million on these two forwards, underlining an aggressive recruitment strategy focused on youthful, attacking talent.
Club strategy and financial moves
Manchester United have taken strategic steps in the transfer market to maintain financial flexibility. A key part of this has been the loan move of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, which has helped the club offload his £325,000-a-week salary.
In addition, United received a £5 million payment from Chelsea after the London club opted not to pursue a deal for Jadon Sancho. The club’s transfer budget could receive a further boost if Alejandro Garnacho is sold, with Chelsea reportedly keen to sign the young winger for around £50 million. Meanwhile, striker RasmusHojlund, who has managed only 14 Premier League goals in two seasons, is available for transfer with a valuation of £30 million.
Benjamin Sesko’s profile
Sesko has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. The Slovenian international has netted 39 goals in 87 appearances for RB Leipzig, making him the top scorer among under-23 players in Europe’s top five leagues. He currently leads Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham by one goal and is five ahead of Florian Wirtz, who recently made a high-profile move to Liverpool for £100 million.
Known for his pace, physical presence, and clinical finishing, Sesko is seen as a player who can immediately impact United’s frontline while also offering long-term value.
Impact on Manchester United
With Sesko’s arrival, Manchester United are shaping a young and dynamic attacking force. The addition of Cunha and Mbeumo, combined with Sesko’s proven goal-scoring ability, offers the Red Devils a fresh look up front. His skill set provides a potential long-term replacement for Rashford and may give United the cutting edge they’ve lacked in recent seasons.
The move also demonstrates a clear shift in the club’s transfer philosophy — targeting high-potential talent capable of growing into elite players.
Impact on Newcastle United Newcastle United, who were also interested in Sesko, will be disappointed by the striker’s decision to join their Premier League rivals. Having also missed out on Hugo Ekitike, who moved to Liverpool, and with Alexander Isak potentially heading to Anfield, the Magpies now face increased pressure to strengthen their attack before the new season.