Recorded Breaking Runback Transaction Generates Second Highest Financial Return
Manchester United Secures Benjamin Sesko in £73.7 Million Transfer
Manchester United has announced the signing of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth approximately £73.7 million (€85 million). The transfer fee includes performance-related add-ons, and Sesko has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club, valid until June 2030.
The transfer process for Sesko proved challenging, with RB Leipzig determined not to sell their top striker from the disappointing previous season for less than 80 million euros. However, a bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United drove the purchase price up to RB's satisfaction.
Sesko, who scored 27 goals and assisted seven in 64 Bundesliga games, will now play for Manchester United in the Premier League. His goal-scoring and assisting performance is comparable to striker Erling Haaland.
The financial details of the deal include Manchester United paying €3.5 million in solidarity contributions to clubs Sesko played for between 12 and 23 years old. There are also performance-based bonuses triggered by Sesko's appearances, with payments due every tenth game up to a certain limit. RB Leipzig will receive a ten percent share of any future resale of Sesko by Manchester United, and a friendly match between the two clubs is expected to generate about €2 million.
The transfer of Sesko to Manchester United is the second most expensive sale in RB's history, surpassed only by Josko Gvardiol, who was sold to Manchester City for a reported 91.5 million euros in 2023. RB Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, stated that economic conditions played a role in the transfer.
With Sesko's arrival, Manchester United is well-positioned for the upcoming season, as the club is set to compete in the Champions League next year. Newcastle United, another Premier League club, also competed for Sesko's signature, but the striker's strong desire to join Manchester United was pivotal in finalizing the transfer at a fee lower upfront than Newcastle's improved offer.
Sources:
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £66.3m. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65592187
[2] Sky Sports. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of RB Leipzig striker Sesko. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12589776/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-rb-leipzig-striker-sesko
[3] Manchester United FC. (2023). Manchester United confirm the signing of Benjamin Sesko. [online] Available at: https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/manchester-united-confirm-the-signing-of-benjamin-sesko
[4] The Guardian. (2023). Manchester United agree £66.3m fee for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/31/manchester-united-agree-66-3m-fee-for-rb-leipzig-striker-benjamin-sesko
Sports analysts worldwide will closely monitor how Benjamin Sesko performs in the European leagues, particularly the Premier League, following his £73.7 million transfer to Manchester United. This transfer fee, including performance-related add-ons, is comparable to the record-breaking transfer of Erling Haaland in recent years.
The transfer of Sesko to Manchester United marks the second most expensive sale in RB Leipzig's history, with the financial details reflecting performance-based bonuses, solidarity contributions, and a share in any future resale of the striker.
As Manchester United gears up for next season's Champions League, the acquisition of Sesko has significantly strengthened their attack, and it remains to be seen how he will measure up against other top strikers competing in European leagues.
