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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from Germany’s RB Leipzig on a contract running until 2030.
The deal is worth €76.5 million ($89m) plus €8.5 million ($9.9m) in bonuses. Sesko, 22, joined Leipzig from Austrian side RB Salzburg in 2023 and scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga club.
Speaking after completing the move on Saturday, Sesko 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 everything is in place for this team to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon. From the moment I arrived, I felt the positive energy and family environment here. It’s the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all my ambitions. I can’t wait to work with [manager] Ruben [Amorim] and my teammates to achieve the success we’re capable of.”
United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, have also added forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo ahead of their August 17 season opener at home against Arsenal. Sesko was also pursued by Newcastle United as they look to replace wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised the signing, describing Sesko as having “a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders,” making him one of the top young talents in world football. Wilcox said the club’s research showed Sesko has the “qualities and personality to thrive” at Old Trafford, and that working under Amorim and the performance team will help him reach his world-class potential.
Last season, United’s main strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored only 18 goals combined as the club endured its worst Premier League campaign — 18 defeats, 42 points, and its lowest-ever finish of 15th, just three places above relegation. Only four teams, including the three relegated sides, scored fewer goals.
Standing 1.95m (6ft 5in) tall, Sesko has drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his height and flashes of technical ability. He has scored six goals in 28 Champions League matches for Leipzig and Salzburg, and 16 goals in 41 games for Slovenia.
