Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £73.7 million (€85m) with RB Leipzig for the signing of highly rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko.
According to transfer experts David Ornstein, the agreement includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3 million (€76.5m), with the remaining balance coming through performance-related add-ons. Sesko is expected to undergo a medical on Friday before finalising his move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old forward has been in impressive form since moving to Germany, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig. That tally makes him the top scorer aged under 23 in all competitions among players based in Europe’s top five leagues—just ahead of Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz.
More Firepower for United’s Frontline
Sesko becomes United’s third attacking acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signed for a combined fee of around £130 million. Structured payment arrangements have allowed the club to remain active in the market despite significant spending.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages are being fully covered by Barcelona, where he is on loan. United also received £5 million from Chelsea as compensation after the Blues pulled out of a deal for Jadon Sancho.
Outgoings Could Boost Transfer Budget
United are exploring additional sales to balance their books. Alejandro Garnacho, who is attracting interest from Chelsea, could leave Old Trafford for a fee in the region of £50 million. The 20-year-old Argentine winger has been told he is free to depart if a suitable offer arrives.
Additionally, Rasmus Højlund, United’s main striker last season, has been made available for £40 million after netting just 14 Premier League goals over two seasons.
Blow for Newcastle
Sesko’s decision to join Manchester United comes as a major setback for Newcastle United, who were also chasing the Slovenian. The Magpies have already missed out on Hugo Ekitike, who opted for Liverpool, and now face the prospect of losing their top scorer Alexander Isak to Anfield as well.
The Next Haaland?
Often compared to Erling Haaland—not just for his former ties to Red Bull Salzburg, but for his physical presence, aerial dominance, and blistering pace—Sesko has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising strikers.
Of players in Europe’s top five leagues since August 2023
He recorded a top speed of 35.7 km/h in the Bundesliga last season, ranking among the fastest strikers, and also had the best aerial success rate among strikers involved in at least 60 duels.
His arrival adds significant power and depth to United’s attack as they aim to challenge on multiple fronts in the upcoming campaign.
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