Manchester United have officially unveiled Benjamin Sesko as their marquee summer signing, capping off an intense and multi-club transfer saga that has dominated headlines as the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker arrives from RB Leipzig, signing a contract that ties him to Old Trafford until June 2030, in a deal worth up to £73.7 million (€85 million) including add-ons. The move not only signals United’s intent to rebuild after a disappointing campaign but also marks the culmination of years of scouting, negotiation, and, at times, doubt about whether such a transfer was even possible.
For United fans, the arrival of Sesko is a breath of fresh air following a season that saw their club finish a staggering 15th in the Premier League—32 points behind Arsenal and out of European competition altogether. The Red Devils’ attacking woes were glaring, with only Everton scoring fewer goals among non-relegated sides. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to find the net, United’s hierarchy knew drastic action was needed.
The chase for a new striker was anything but straightforward. Early in the summer, United’s attention was locked on other targets—Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, and even Hugo Ekitike. Arsenal, too, had laid years of groundwork to lure Sesko to North London, but financial constraints and a change in sporting director led them to pivot elsewhere. Newcastle United, emboldened by Alexander Isak’s desire to leave and flush with Champions League qualification, threw their hat in the ring and tabled several bids, including an offer of €80 million. Yet, despite the Magpies’ best efforts and a lucrative contract proposal, Sesko’s preference was clear: he wanted to wear the red of Manchester United.
Key to United’s pursuit were director of recruitment Christopher Vivell—who had first discovered Sesko as a teenager at Domžale and later brought him to Salzburg—and director of football Jason Wilcox. The pair, alongside CEO Omar Berrada and manager Ruben Amorim, crystallized their approach during a pivotal pre-season tour in the United States. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the club’s owners, Joel and Avram Glazer, gave their blessing to the plan, although they were not directly involved in the decision-making.
Once Sesko’s camp signaled Old Trafford as the striker’s preferred destination, United moved swiftly. A formal offer of €75 million plus €10 million in add-ons was submitted, eventually leading to a total package just under Newcastle’s final bid but enough to secure the player’s signature. The deal also includes a sell-on clause for Leipzig and an agreement to organize a future friendly match between the two clubs.
Sesko’s journey to Manchester has been anything but linear. After impressing at Domžale, he joined RB Salzburg for €2 million at just 16, then moved to Leipzig in 2023, where he blossomed into one of Europe’s most prolific young forwards. Over the past two seasons, Sesko has outscored every other player under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues, netting 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig—including 27 in 64 Bundesliga appearances—and providing eight assists. Last season alone, he bagged 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
What makes Sesko such a coveted talent? For starters, his physical attributes are elite. Standing at 6ft 5in, he combines electrifying pace—hitting a Bundesliga top speed of 35.7km/h—with aerial dominance, winning 57.4% of his duels, the highest among strikers in the league. He’s a threat from distance, too: 23.1% of his goals last season came from outside the box, a higher percentage than any Bundesliga striker who scored at least 12 goals. But it’s not just about finishing; Sesko has evolved into a more versatile forward, dropping deeper into midfield, linking play on the wings, and showing a willingness to adapt his game as needed.
Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox didn’t mince words about the club’s new arrival: “Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football. We have followed Benjamin’s career closely; all of our data analysis and research concluded that he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United. Working under the guidance of Ruben and our excellent performance team, Benjamin is joining the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.”
Sesko himself is brimming with anticipation. In his first interview as a United player, he said, “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon. From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions. I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Sesko’s arrival is part of a broader attacking overhaul at Old Trafford. He joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as major summer signings, with the trio presented to fans before a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. United’s total outlay on attacking reinforcements this window now exceeds £200 million, a clear signal that the club is backing manager Ruben Amorim to deliver a turnaround.
The signing also raises questions about the future of Rasmus Hojlund. Despite stating his desire to stay and fight for his place, United are reportedly open to selling the Danish striker for just over £30 million, with AC Milan showing interest—though a loan move is said to be their preferred option. Meanwhile, the club is still seeking to raise funds through player sales, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho linked with moves away.
Securing Sesko wasn’t just about the money. Leipzig’s strategy this summer was to raise €100 million through sales, but they didn’t prioritize offloading Sesko unless a “special” club came forward with an acceptable offer. United’s persistence, the personal touch from key executives, and the promise of a central role in Amorim’s new-look attack ultimately tipped the scales.
With the ink now dry and the season fast approaching, Manchester United fans have reason to dream again. Sesko’s blend of youth, physicality, and technical skill could be the missing piece in the club’s quest to return to the upper echelons of English and European football. The real work, of course, starts now—and all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if this bold investment pays off.
