Highest-priced secondhand Running Back deal secured:
Manchester United have bolstered their attack with the acquisition of Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants, running until June 2030, in a deal worth an initial £66.3 million (€76.5 million).
The transfer fee could potentially rise to £73.7 million (€83 million) with performance-related add-ons, making it one of the most significant signings in Manchester United's history.
A Competitive Bid Secures the Deal
The deal was finalized despite a competitive bid from Newcastle United, who offered around £69.7 million plus add-ons. However, Manchester United's favorable terms and Šeško's strong desire to join the club's project secured the transfer.
The final transfer fee is reported to reach up to €85 million (£73.5 million) including bonuses, aligning with the club's announcements and media estimates.
Šeško's Impressive Track Record
Šeško, who will wear the number 30 at Manchester United, has already shown his potential in the Bundesliga, setting up 7 goals and scoring 27 times in 64 games for RB Leipzig. He also scored 6 times in the Champions League and once in the DFB-Pokal for his previous club.
RB Leipzig's Second Most Expensive Sale
The sale of Šeško to Manchester United marks the second most expensive sale by RB Leipzig, with Josko Gvardiol being the most expensive at a reported 91.5 million euros to Manchester City.
The transfer process was a tough one for RB Leipzig, with sporting director Marcel Schäfer mentioning that economic factors played a role in the decision.
Šeško Compared to Striker Star Erling Haaland
Šeško is often compared to striker star Erling Haaland due to his impressive goal-scoring record and potential. His arrival at Old Trafford is seen as a significant step towards Manchester United's future competitive ambitions.
Šeško was officially unveiled before a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina and is eager to make his mark in the Premier League.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Manchester United agree deal to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65006900
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Manchester United agree deal to sign Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig for £66.3m. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/08/manchester-united-agree-deal-to-sign-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig-for-66-3m
[3] Sky Sports. (2023). Manchester United agree deal to sign Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12308104/manchester-united-agree-deal-to-sign-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[4] Manchester Evening News. (2023). Manchester United confirm the signing of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-fc/manchester-united-sign-benjamin-sesko-25016485
- After a competitive bidding war with Newcastle United, Manchester United's favorable terms and Benjišek's ambition to contribute to the club's project sealed the deal, marking a significant investment in the team's sports-analysis and football strategy.
- Given his impressive goal-scoring record and the comparisons to striker star Erling Haaland, the acquisition of Benjišek not only bolsters Manchester United's attack but also aligns with the club's vision for a competitive future in the realm of sports.
