Manchester United beat Newcastle United to signing of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig
Updated 09/08/2025 at 11:16 GMT+1
Ruben Amorim's attacking options have been bolstered with the addition of highly-coveted striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The Slovenia international scored 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last season, and has netted 16 times in 41 caps for his country. United reportedly beat Newcastle United to his signature.
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Manchester United have completed the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Sesko, 22, was reportedly also the subject of a bid from Newcastle, but has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim's summer rebuild continues.
United paid a reported €75million (£65m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons to acquire the forward.
Interest in Sesko has extended far beyond just Manchester and Tyneside.
Arsenal were said to have had a long-standing admiration for the forward, while Chelsea were also apparently keen admirers.
"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," Sesko said.
"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.
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"I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."
Sesko has established himself among Europe's most exciting young forwards in recent years, having recorded 21 goals and six assists in 45 matches for Leipzig last season.
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The 6ft 5in striker signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club last year, prolonging his deal with them through to 2029, but he now joins Amorim's expanding squad in a summer of big investment at Old Trafford.
United's front line has also been bolstered by the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer from Brentford and Wolves respectively, who scored a combined 35 Premier League goals last season.
Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag in United's dug-out in November 2024 and the Portuguese coach oversaw the club's lowest-ever placement in the Premier League era, finishing 15th.
The Red Devils also suffered defeat in the UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
'As physically imposing as Haaland'
Eurosport Germany's Leopold Grunwald says:
"Sesko is every bit as physically imposing as Erling Haaland, standing at 6ft 5in tall, has incredible speed in the open field, an absolutely devastating right-footed shot and what seems to be springs in his legs.
"Sure the Slovenia international has not developed as much in his second year with RB Leipzig as one would have hoped, but it is no small feat to maintain his numbers in front of goal, when you consider that the team suffered its worst season in terms of attacking in the Bundesliga since being promoted to the German top flight in 2016.
"Overall, Sesko is a safe bet with a high floor as well as the potential to become an absolute superstar - especially in the Premier League, where he will be allowed to use his physical attributes a little bit more."
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