Manchester United has finalized the acquisition of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal valued at £73.7 million.
The Slovenia international signed a five-year contract, which includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3 million, with the remaining amount based on performance-related add-ons.
Sesko is United’s third significant attacking signing, following Matheus Cunha’s arrival for £62.5 million and Bryan Mbeumo’s for £65 million, which includes £6 million in add-ons.
At 22 years old, Sesko was also being pursued by Newcastle United but opted to join Ruben Amorim’s team.
Last season, United finished 15th in the Premier League, while Newcastle secured fifth place and qualified for the Champions League, also winning the EFL Cup.
“The history of Manchester United is incredibly special, but what truly excites me is the future,” Sesko stated.
“When we discussed the project, it became clear that everything is set for this team to continue developing and competing for major trophies soon.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt the positive energy and family atmosphere that the club fosters. It is undoubtedly the ideal place for me to reach my full potential and achieve all my ambitions.
“I am eager to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success we all know we can attain together.”
What can Sesko contribute to Old Trafford?
Sesko has spent the last two seasons in Germany with Leipzig, having joined from sister club Salzburg in 2023.
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He netted 39 goals in 87 matches across all competitions, along with eight assists, with 27 of those goals coming in 64 Bundesliga appearances.
Currently, he is the leading goalscorer under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues across all competitions, surpassing Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham by one goal and outpacing Florian Wirtz, who transferred to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100 million this summer, by five goals.
Sesko is among the fastest strikers in the Bundesliga, reaching a top speed of 35.7 km/h. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, he boasts the highest aerial success rate among strikers, winning 57.4% of aerial duels.
In the past two seasons, only six forwards have scored more goals in the Bundesliga, even though Sesko ranked 16th for expected goals, 14th for shots, and 22nd for touches in the opposition box.
He is also a long-range threat, with 36.8% of his shots—and 23.1% of his goals—coming from outside the box, both of which are higher than any Bundesliga striker who scored 12 or more goals last season.
Last season, he evolved into a more well-rounded player, with 9.7% of his touches occurring in the opposition box, down from 17% the previous season, while he became more involved on both wings and deeper in midfield.
“Benjamin has a unique blend of explosive speed and the ability to physically overpower defenders, making him one of the most remarkable young talents in world football,” said Manchester United’s director of football, Jason.
