Manchester United have officially secured the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth £73.7 million, making him the club’s latest major addition in attack.
The 22-year-old Slovenia international has signed a five-year contract with United. The agreement includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m, with the remainder coming through performance-related add-ons.
Sesko becomes United’s third big attacking signing this summer, following Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£65m plus £6m in add-ons). Newcastle United had also expressed interest, but Sesko opted to join Ruben Amorim’s squad at Old Trafford.
Last season, United finished 15th in the Premier League, while Newcastle placed fifth and lifted the EFL Cup.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” Sesko said. “From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.”
What Sesko Brings to Old Trafford
Since joining Leipzig from sister club Salzburg in 2023, Sesko has netted 39 goals in 87 matches across all competitions, including 27 in 64 Bundesliga appearances. He is currently the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues, ahead of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Sesko combines height with impressive pace, clocking a top speed of 35.7 km/h in the Bundesliga. He also boasts the highest aerial duel success rate among strikers in the league at 57.4%.
A versatile forward, Sesko is a threat both inside and outside the box – 36.8% of his shots and 23.1% of his goals last season came from long range.
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Sesko’s qualities:
“Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football.”
What This Means for Rasmus Hojlund
Sesko’s arrival raises uncertainty about the future of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund. Despite Hojlund’s stated desire to stay, United are reportedly open to selling him for around £30m, with AC Milan showing interest in an initial loan move.
Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for £72m two years ago, has managed 14 Premier League goals in that time.