Manchester United Complete £74m Deal for ‘Top-Class’ 39-Goal Ace Ahead of Premier League Rivals

Manchester United have finally agreed a deal with RB Leipzig for forward Benjamin Sesko, who could truly lighten up their attacking force for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

Even after completing expensive signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Ruben Amorim was determined to complete his front three with the 22-year-old Slovenian striker.

Sesko has agreed to a five-year contract, with United paying £66.3 million upfront plus up to £7.4 million in add-ons, bringing the total fee to around £74 million.

The move comes after Newcastle United had tabled a major bid of at least £69.5 million in their own push to sign him, amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak‘s future.

Despite that, Sesko chose Old Trafford, turning down the prospect of Champions League football with Newcastle in favour of the prestige and long-term project offered by United. The Red Devils had made him their priority striker signing of the summer, and now they have their man.

Why Are Manchester United So Eager For Benjamin Sesko’s Signing?

The reason why the Red Devils are seemingly going all in for the signing of the RB Leipzig forward is because of how well he’s performed for the German club in recent years.

The 22-year-old striker has scored 39 goals and provided eight assists in 87 appearances for the Bundesliga club since joining them in 2023, and he was particularly prolific in the 2024/25 season.

Sesko scored 21 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig in the previous campaign, with 13 of those goals coming in the Bundesliga campaign.

Sesko was able to record some impressive metrics in the 2024/25 season which shows how good a striker he is.

The Slovenia international averaged 0.43 non-penalty goals, 2.54 shot attempts, 1.68 progressive carries and 3.51 touches in the attacking penalty area in the previous Bundesliga campaign.

He scored more goals by himself in the Bundesliga (13) than Manchester United forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee (six) managed to score together in the 2024/25 Premier League.

Hojlund was only able to average 0.30 non-penalty goals, 1.65 shot attempts and 1.20 progressive carries per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season.

The 22-year-old RB Leipzig forward has been hailed as a “top-class footballer” by Jurgen Klopp.

He is not only a clinical goalscorer, but a genuine speedster on the pitch and a menacing figure on counter-attacks, having managed a top speed of 35.69 km/h in the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign.

Sesko can add speed and ruthlessness to Manchester United’s frontline, which is why the Red Devils are pushing so hard to complete his signing.

For Amorim, Sesko’s arrival completes an attacking trio that blends creativity, movement and power.

With the deal almost complete, Manchester United’s summer spending has surpassed the £200 million mark, signalling their intent to close the gap on England’s top sides.

Sesko will arrive at Carrington in the coming days to begin pre-season preparations, as the Red Devils aim to hit the ground running when the new Premier League campaign kicks off.