Manchester United is closing in on the signing of Benjamin Sesko after fending off competition from Newcastle United in one of the summer’s most closely watched transfer battles.
United have reportedly agreed to a deal with RB Leipzig worth an initial £66.3M, with a further £7.37M in performance-related add-ons, taking the total package to just under $100M.
The Slovenian forward had been open to joining either Newcastle or United, but his preference for Old Trafford proved decisive. Newcastle is understood to have offered a larger up-front fee, yet Sesko was swayed by United’s stature and project.
The presence of United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who previously worked at Leipzig, is thought to have helped smooth negotiations.
The transfer is expected to be finalized on Saturday after Sesko travels to Manchester for a medical on Friday before signing a five-year deal through at least 2030.
BREAKING: Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025
Agreement club to club reached with RB Leipzig for €76.5m plus €8.5m add-ons.
Šeško agreed terms until 2030.
Šeško made clear on Tuesday that he wanted #MUFC, deal now reality.
New striker for Amorim pic.twitter.com/48Qe8mPI89
The arrival of the 22-year-old will push United’s summer spending beyond $250M, following earlier deals for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
His signing also throws the future of Rasmus Hojlund into doubt, with AC Milan reportedly considering a move for the Danish striker just two years after his arrival at Old Trafford.
Long viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, Sesko offers a blend of pace, aerial power and finishing ability that is believed to fit Ruben Amorim’s attacking blueprint. Last season, the young striker netted 21 times in 45 appearances in all competitions.
For Newcastle, missing out on Sesko represents another blow in its pursuit of a marquee striker, particularly amid uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future.
The Magpies have already turned their attention to alternatives but are now facing the prospect of another failed chase, adding to a growing list of missed targets, including Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dean Huijsen and Mbeumo.
Sesko’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford comes as United looks to bounce back from a dismal 2024-25 campaign that saw it finish 15th, its lowest position in the Premier League era.
If completed as expected, the move would not only secure one of Europe’s most promising strikers but also hand United a rare head-to-head transfer victory over a direct domestic rival.
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