Manchester United signs Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United have completed the high-profile signing of Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s third attacking acquisition of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old arrives on a five-year contract in a deal valued at up to £74 million (€85 million), with £66.3 million guaranteed and the rest in performance-related add-ons.

Sesko’s arrival caps a major rebuild of United’s misfiring frontline, which struggled last season with just 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches — one of the lowest tallies in the division. The Red Devils endured their worst league campaign in over half a century, finishing 15th, and manager Ruben Amorim has been backed heavily to revamp the squad.

Third Major Forward Signing of the Summer

The Slovenian international, who has netted 16 goals in 41 senior appearances for his country, joins Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves) and Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo (£65m from Brentford including add-ons). Between them, the trio scored 58 goals last season, and United’s hierarchy is banking on that firepower to spark a turnaround.

Sesko expressed his excitement at the move, praising the club’s history but focusing on its ambitions for the future. “Everything is in place here for the team to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, I felt the energy and family atmosphere — it’s the perfect place to reach my maximum potential.”

Beating Rivals to the Signature

Sesko had been a transfer target for Newcastle United, who saw him as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak amid Liverpool interest in the Swedish striker. Arsenal were also linked after his prolific spell in Germany, where he scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season. Standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in), Sesko’s blend of pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing has drawn comparisons with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Like Haaland, Sesko first rose to prominence at RB Salzburg before moving to the Bundesliga in 2023. His signing also signals that Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund could be on the way out, with AC Milan reportedly interested after a disappointing debut season.

United Banking on Potential and Immediate Impact

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox hailed Sesko as “one of the most exceptional young talents in world football” and said their extensive analysis confirmed he had both the qualities and the mentality to succeed at Old Trafford.