Man Utd complete Benjamin Sesko transfer as summer spending breaks £200m barrier

Manchester United have officially won the race for Benjamin Sesko after hijacking Newcastle's move for the striker. Sesko, 22, arrives from German club RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £74million.

Ruben Amorim's side will pay £66.4m up front plus a further £7.6m in potential add-ons. Sesko has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2030.

Newcastle had a bid accepted by Leipzig earlier this week but the Slovenia international preferred to move to Manchester. St James' Park chiefs offered to pay Leipzig £4m more than the Red Devils but were unable to convince the player.

Sesko soon agreed personal terms and a club-to-club deal was reached on Thursday, allowing him to fly to Manchester that night alongside his agent, Elvis Basanovic. After completing a medical at Carrington, which has been redeveloped this summer, the former Red Bull Salzburg wonder put pen to paper on his contract.

The deal takes United's spending in the summer transfer window to £207.5m, having already signed two other forwards; Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £71m. Sesko could make his debut next Sunday, as the Red Devils welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford to begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

READ MORE: Newcastle identify No.1 Benjamin Sesko transfer alternative after Man Utd humiliation

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Arsenal notably held talks over a move for the 22-year-old earlier this summer. But the Gunners ultimately decided on Viktor Gyokeres, who was initially United's top target.

Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell was crucial in securing Sesko's signature. Vivell brought him to Salzburg as a teenager before signing him for Leipzig in 2023.

Sesko has also been on United's radar since he was 16. The Red Devils first looked at signing him from Slovenian club Domzale before he became a Red Bull asset.

Speaking after his transfer was announced, the forward said: "The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future.

“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.

“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

During his two seasons in east Germany, Sesko scored 39 goals while providing eight assists in 87 appearances. He's already earned 41 caps for Slovenia, scoring six goals and representing them at Euro 2024 last summer.

Will Benjamin Sesko be successful at Manchester United? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Sesko's speed and stature has drawn comparisons to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who also played for Salzburg before moving to the Bundesliga. At 6ft 5in, United hope that he'll adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

Their focus will now turn to midfield. Brighton's Carlos Baleba is understood to be a target after contact was made through intermediaries this week.

The Red Devils also want to sell a host of players, with Chelsea in talks to buy Alejandro Garnacho. Sesko's arrival could also spell the end of United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who's available for around £40m.

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