MANCHESTER – Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to €85 million (US$99 million, £74 million), according to multiple UK media outlets.
Sources including the BBC, The Athletic, and Sky Sports state that United will pay an initial €76.5 million for the 22-year-old Slovenian, with an additional €8.5 million in potential add-ons.
Newcastle United were also keen on Sesko, eyeing him as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, who has drawn interest from Liverpool. However, the appeal of joining the 20-time English champions proved decisive for Sesko, despite United’s absence from European competition next season.
His arrival marks the final step in revamping Manchester United’s underperforming frontline. The Red Devils netted just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season—only four teams scored fewer—ending the campaign in 15th place, their lowest finish in over half a century.
With earlier signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this transfer window, United have now spent over £200 million on attacking reinforcements.
Sesko had previously been linked to Arsenal after a standout two-year spell at Leipzig, where he scored 39 goals in 87 appearances, including 21 last season alone.
Standing at 1.95 metres (6ft 4in), Sesko’s combination of size, blistering speed, and scoring instinct has led to comparisons with Manchester City star Erling Haaland. Like Haaland, he also rose to prominence at RB Salzburg before moving to the Bundesliga in 2023.
United are hoping Sesko can unlock his vast potential and play a central role in their return to Premier League contention. Between them, Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo tallied 58 goals last season.
The club’s significant investment will need to deliver results swiftly, especially as they operate under tight financial sustainability regulations and face a season without European football revenue.
