Manchester United confirm agreeing to a £74 million transfer for Sesko from Leipzig
Manchester United have announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth up to £74m (€85.4m). The 21-year-old Slovenian striker has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Sesko, who was also a target for Arsenal and Newcastle United, expressed his excitement about joining the Red Devils, citing the club's rich history and future potential. He said, "I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United. The club's history, the family environment, and the opportunity to learn from Ruben Amorim and my team-mates are all factors that attracted me to this move."
The young forward had a stellar 2024–25 season at RB Leipzig, where he was the club's top scorer with a personal record of 21 goals in all competitions. He also set the Bundesliga record as the youngest player to score in seven consecutive league games, achieving this feat at just under 21 years old.
Sesko's performances included notable milestones such as scoring a brace to end Union Berlin's 24-match unbeaten home streak and netting his first Champions League goal during the 2023–24 season. He extended his contract with RB Leipzig until 2029 before transferring to Manchester United in August 2025.
While individual match statistics like assists, tackles, or aerial duels won for the 2024–25 season are not explicitly detailed, his goal tally and impact as a forward underscore his key offensive contribution for RB Leipzig during that period. Sesko managed 13 goals in the Bundesliga last season, overperforming his 9.9 xG. He also registered a shot conversion rate of 19.1% in the German top flight.
Sesko's arrival at Old Trafford adds to the club's forward line, which has already been strengthened by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United's data analysis and research concluded that Sesko has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.
Jason Wilcox, United's technical director, described Sesko as a "rare talent" with "electrifying pace" and the ability to "physically dominate defenders." Sesko's ability to score quick goals was also highlighted, as he scored five goals in the first 15 minutes of games in the Bundesliga last season, a competition high. However, Erling Haaland scored six goals in the first 15 minutes of games in Europe's big-five leagues, surpassing Sesko.
United fans will have the opportunity to see Sesko in action ahead of their final pre-season friendly game at Old Trafford against Fiorentina on Saturday, where he is scheduled to be formally presented to the fans. Sesko will face Manchester City's Haaland as United look to challenge their fierce rivals in the upcoming season.
The desire of Sesko and other new signings to join Manchester United highlights the appeal and stature of the club as they continue to build and develop a team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.
Sesko's transfer to Manchester United marks his entry into the Premier League, adding to the club's strong forward line that already includes Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. His impressive goal-scoring record in European-leagues, such as the Bundesliga where he was the top scorer for RB Leipzig in the 2024–25 season, indicates his potential to make a significant impact in the highly competitive world of football.
