Record-breaking second-highest transfer fee for a right back:
Manchester United have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth approximately £73.67 million (€85 million). The Slovenian international is expected to sign a five-year contract running until around 2030.
The transfer fee for Sesko involves an initial £66.3 million (€76.5 million) plus £7.37 million (€8.5 million) in performance-related bonuses, making the total deal one of the most significant in Manchester United's recent history.
Despite Newcastle United offering a higher initial bid, Sesko opted for the move to Old Trafford. The bonuses are reportedly considered quite achievable, with the potential for the total amount to increase to £90 million (€105 million) with agreed additional performances.
Sesko, often compared to striker star Erling Haaland, joins Manchester United after a successful stint at RB Leipzig. He scored 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga games for the German club, including six times in the Champions League. Sesko also played a crucial role in their DFB-Pokal victory.
The transfer fee for Sesko makes him the second most expensive sale for RB Leipzig, surpassed only by Josko Gvardiol, who was sold to Manchester City in 2023 for a reported 91.5 million euros.
The bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United drove up the purchase price for Sesko, but Leipzig's sports director, Marcel Schäfer, stated that "economic conditions also played a role" in the transfer.
Sesko is set to undergo his medical at Manchester United and is expected to be presented during the club’s pre-season friendly soon after. If he joins Newcastle United, he would have played in the Champions League next season. However, with his move to Old Trafford, he will be a part of the Premier League.
With Sesko's arrival, Manchester United fans are excited about the potential of the young striker, who has shown promise in his previous clubs. The club is hoping that he will help strengthen their attack and challenge for top honours in the Premier League and Champions League.
- The significant transfer fee of €85 million for Benjamin Sesko places the deal among Manchester United's most considerable in recent history, with potential add-ons raising the total to €105 million.
- Despite Newcastle United's higher initial bid, Sesko chose Manchester United, moving to Old Trafford with achievable bonuses potentially increasing the deal's value.
- In European leagues, Sesko previously demonstrated his potential at RB Leipzig, scoring 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga games and six goals in six Champions League games, contributing to their DFB-Pokal victory.
- By joining the Premier League, Sesko will forgo the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Newcastle United, but Manchester United fans remain hopeful that he'll help strengthen their attack and challenge for top honours in both the Premier League and Champions League.
