Manchester United have reached an agreement worth up to €85 million ($99 million, £74 million) to sign Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, according to multiple English media reports on Thursday.
The BBC, The Athletic, and Sky Sports report that United will pay an initial €76.5 million, with a further €8.5 million in performance-related add-ons for the 22-year-old forward.
Sesko was also on Newcastle United’s radar, potentially as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool, but was ultimately swayed by the prestige of joining the 20-time English champions, despite their absence from European football next season.
The signing completes a major overhaul of United’s underperforming attack, which managed just 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season, the club’s lowest tally in 51 years, culminating in a 15th-place finish.
Earlier this transfer window, United secured Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, taking their total spending on forwards in recent months to over £200 million. Between them, Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo scored 58 goals last season.
Sesko has built an impressive reputation in Europe, netting 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season. Standing at 1.95 metres (6ft 4ins), his blend of height, speed, and finishing ability has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Like Haaland, Sesko rose to prominence at RB Salzburg before moving to Germany in 2023.
United are counting on the Slovenian’s potential to help propel them back toward the Premier League summit. However, the club’s substantial investment will be under scrutiny, especially as they must adhere to financial sustainability regulations without the boost of European competition revenue this season.
Written By Rodney Mbua
