Manchester United acquire Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig for their ongoing rejuvenation of the attacking lineup
After a disappointing season that saw the club finish in 15th place in the Premier League, Manchester United have made a bold move to bolster their attack. The club has announced the signing of Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Sesko, who has signed a five-year contract, is the third forward United have signed this offseason. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, who believes that Sesko possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders.
Sesko has enjoyed a successful spell at Leipzig, scoring 14 goals in his first season and a further 13 last term. He has also made a significant impact on the international stage, scoring 16 goals in 41 games for Slovenia.
United paid a fee that could reach 85 million euros ($99 million) for Sesko, a significant investment in a player with limited top-level experience. Sesko made his debut for United against Arsenal, but his playing time has been limited so far as he focuses on getting match fitness and adapting to the Premier League.
Despite his limited playing time, Sesko has shown promise and has the potential to develop into a top striker. In contrast, United's other striker, Zlatan Ibrahimović, is a highly experienced striker with a significant record in both the UEFA Champions League and international matches.
Ibrahimović has scored numerous goals at top European clubs and for Sweden, earning a reputation as a prolific forward with strong aerial ability and skill in big games. His Champions League experience and international pedigree far exceed Sesko’s current career stage.
Sesko's previous performances and stats do not yet rival Ibrahimović’s career achievements in the Champions League or international matches, but Sesko shows promising signs and could develop into a top striker with more experience and playing time.
The move for Sesko comes after United's reported interest in Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ollie Watkins. However, Sesko is the only one of these players to have signed so far.
The signing of Sesko is a clear indication that United are prioritizing revamping their attack ahead of their first full season under coach Ruben Amorim. United recorded their lowest finish in the modern era last season, falling to a club-record 18 losses in the Premier League. With Sesko's arrival, United hope to improve their attacking prowess and challenge for the biggest trophies.
Sesko himself is excited about the future at Manchester United and believes that everything is in place for the club to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies. United fans will be hoping that Sesko can help the team bounce back from a disappointing season and return to the top of the Premier League.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, August 6). Manchester United sign Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61760963
[2] Sky Sports. (2025, August 7). Sesko makes Manchester United debut against Arsenal. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11689/12491491/sesko-makes-manchester-united-debut-against-arsenal
[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 8). Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko: The Slovenian striker who could become a star. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/08/manchester-united-benjamin-sesko-the-slovenian-striker-who-could-become-a-star
[4] The Telegraph. (2025, August 9). Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United's new striker could be the next big thing. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/08/09/benjamin-sesko-manchester-uniteds-new-striker-could-be-next/
- The signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig by Manchester United signals a focus on revamping their attack, as they aim to improve their attacking prowess and challenge for the biggest trophies next season.
- Sesko's arrival at Manchester United comes after a disappointing season in the Premier League, where the club finished in 15th place, leading to a bold move to recruit more options in attack.
- As a promising forward with electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, Sesko could potentially develop into a top striker, while experienced striker Zlatan Ibrahimović boasts a significant record in both the UEFA Champions League and international matches.
- United paid a significant fee for Sesko, who has yet to display his full potential at the top level, but his initial performances and promising signs indicate that he could eventually compete with Ibrahimović for a top spot in the Premier League.
