Football's second-tier German League, RB, has finalized a sale: Sesko joins Manchester
Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian striker, has joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth approximately €85 million (around £74 million) [1][3]. Sesko signed a five-year contract until June 2030 with Manchester United, subject to registration [1][2].
The transfer saga saw a bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United, with Sesko ultimately choosing Manchester United [1][3]. RB Leipzig was not willing to let Sesko go for less than 80 million euros, and the transfer price was driven up by the bidding competition [1].
The deal includes add-ons, a sell-on clause, and an arrangement for a friendly match between Manchester United and RB Leipzig [1]. The exact bonus details are not publicly disclosed, and the percentage for the sell-on clause is also undisclosed [1][3].
Sesko proved his worth with 21 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, making him the top goalscorer under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues over the past two seasons [2]. His pace and physicality have been praised by Manchester United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, who believes he will thrive under manager Ruben Amorim [2].
The transfer marks a significant investment by Manchester United in the summer 2025 transfer window. They have also recruited Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, aiming to rebuild and challenge for major trophies [1][3]. Sesko is seen as a key part of Ruben Amorim’s new-look attack, hoping to improve Manchester United's recent poor Premier League performance [4].
It's worth noting that unlike Newcastle United, Manchester United will not play internationally next season [1]. Sesko's transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester United has been announced by both clubs [1].
This transfer is the second most expensive sale by RB Leipzig, surpassed only by Josko Gvardiol's sale to Manchester City for 91.5 million euros [1]. Sesko scored six times each in the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal for RB Leipzig, and he also assisted in seven Bundesliga games [2]. Economic conditions are believed to have played a role in the sale of Sesko by RB Leipzig [1].
[1] BBC Sport (2025). Benjamin Sesko transfer: Manchester United announce signing from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61208661
[2] Sky Sports (2025). Benjamin Sesko transfer: Manchester United complete signing of RB Leipzig striker. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12551730/benjamin-sesko-transfer-manchester-united-complete-signing-of-rb-leipzig-striker
[3] The Guardian (2025). Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United complete £74m signing of RB Leipzig striker. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/02/benjamin-sesko-manchester-united-complete-74m-signing-of-rb-leipzig-striker
[4] The Independent (2025). Benjamin Sesko transfer: Manchester United complete signing of RB Leipzig striker for £74m. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-transfer-news-sesko-rb-leipzig-b2169894.html
Sesko's decision to join Manchester United over Newcastle United was influenced by a bidding war between the two clubs. He will be playing football at Manchester United, following a deal worth approximately €85 million.
