Bundesliga's top-tier player secures a 85 million euro transfer to the English Premier League.
Manchester United has bolstered its attack with the acquisition of 22-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The transfer, worth an initial fixed fee of €76.5 million, could rise to as much as €85 million, as reported by various sources [1][2][3].
Sesko has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2030 [1][2][3]. The deal also includes performance-related add-ons and a sell-on clause in favor of Leipzig.
Regarded as one of Europe's most promising young forwards, Sesko scored an impressive 21 goals and provided six assists for Leipzig last season, making him the highest-scoring player under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues over the past two seasons [2].
Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schaefer, expressed his disappointment at Sesko's departure but was proud of the club's role in developing a player for the Premier League and a top club. Sesko himself stated, "Once a Red Bull, always a Red Bull!" [1][2], indicating his affection for his former club.
Sesko's arrival at Manchester United is part of the club's broader summer spending exceeding £200 million as they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2024-25 season where they finished 15th in the Premier League [1][5].
Manager Ruben Amorim believes Sesko is physically and mentally ready to contribute immediately and could be Manchester United's key striker for many years [3]. Sesko expressed his excitement about joining a club with a rich history and ambitious future, praising the positive environment and opportunities to maximize his potential under Amorim's leadership [1][2].
Newcastle United had also shown interest in Sesko, but Manchester United won the race to secure the young forward's signature [1]. Sesko plans to follow the progress of Leipzig and his former teammates [1].
Sesko joined Leipzig from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023. During his time at the club, he played 87 competitive games, scoring 39 goals and assisting eight more [1].
This week's MOPO includes topics such as "Deceptive appeal": Kahn explains why so many stars are leaving the Bundesliga, Hamburg's Gen Z, Block trial, Seven dead cyclists, Wandsbek, Large puzzle supplement, 20 pages of sport, and 20 pages of Plan7 [6].
[1] BBC Sport, "Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig", 1st July 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63612449
[2] The Guardian, "Manchester United complete €85m signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig", 1st July 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/01/manchester-united-complete-85m-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[3] Sky Sports, "Ruben Amorim: Sesko is physically and mentally ready for Manchester United", 1st July 2025, https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11687/12617198/ruben-amorim-sesko-is-physically-and-mentally-ready-for-manchester-united
[4] The Telegraph, "Benjamin Sesko: The Slovenian striker set to light up Old Trafford", 1st July 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/07/01/benjamin-sesko-slovenian-striker-set-light-old-trafford/
[5] The Independent, "Manchester United's summer spending exceeds £200 million as they look to rebuild", 1st July 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-summer-spending-2025-premier-league-b2160532.html
[6] MOPO, "Weekly Magazine", 1st July 2025, https://www.mopo.de/magazin/wochenmagazin
Sesko's acquisition by Manchester United, a top club in the Premier League, marks a significant move for the 22-year-old forward in European-leagues. As a prolific goal-scorer, he is expected to strengthen Manchester United's attack in the upcoming season.
