Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to 85 million euros (approximately £74 million or US$99 million), according to multiple reports from English media including the BBC, The Athletic, and Sky Sports.
The transfer includes an initial payment of 76.5 million euros, with an additional 8.5 million euros in performance-based add-ons. Newcastle United also showed interest in the 22-year-old Slovenian forward, possibly as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool. However, Sesko was drawn to the prestige of the 20-time English champions, despite their absence from European competitions this season.
Sesko’s signing adds to a complete overhaul of United’s attacking line. The club managed only 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season, marking their worst campaign in over five decades and finishing 15th in the table. With the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earlier in the transfer window, Manchester United’s recent spending on forwards now exceeds £200 million.
Previously linked with Arsenal, Sesko has impressed in his time at Leipzig, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances, including 21 last season. Standing at 1.95 meters (6 feet 4 inches), his combination of physical presence, pace, and finishing ability has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. Like Haaland, Sesko began his rise at RB Salzburg before moving to Germany in 2023.
Manchester United are betting on Sesko’s high potential to rejuvenate their attack and push for a return to the Premier League’s top positions. Together, Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo scored a total of 58 goals last season. The club hopes this major investment pays off quickly, especially as they aim to meet financial sustainability regulations without the boost of European competition revenue.
