WORLD / SPORTS — TOP STORY
Manchester United Sign Slovenia Striker Benjamin Sesko in £73.7m Deal
MANCHESTER, 8 AUGUST 2025 — Manchester United have completed a major coup in the summer transfer window, agreeing a deal worth £73.7 million with RB Leipzig for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko.
The agreement includes a guaranteed £66.3 million, with the remaining fee structured through performance-related add-ons. The 22-year-old will undergo a medical today before finalizing his move to Old Trafford.
Sesko, who had also drawn serious interest from Newcastle United, has netted 39 goals in 87 appearances for the Bundesliga side and is currently the top-scoring under-23 player in Europe.
The move marks United’s third major attacking acquisition of the summer, following the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, whose combined transfer cost was around £130 million. Sources indicate those deals were financially structured to maintain flexibility in the market.
To further support spending, United are saving on Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages, with the full salary covered by his loan move to Barcelona. The club also received a £5 million compensation fee from Chelsea after the Blues withdrew from a proposed deal for winger Jadon Sancho.
In terms of outgoings, United are open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this summer, valuing the Argentina international at £50 million amid interest from Chelsea. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund, who scored just 14 Premier League goals over two seasons, has been made available for £40 million.
Sesko’s decision to choose United is another blow to Newcastle, who have now missed out on both Sesko and Hugo Ekitike, the latter joining Liverpool. Newcastle also face the looming possibility of losing Alexander Isak, who is being pursued by the Anfield club.
The arrival of Sesko marks a clear statement of intent from Manchester United as they overhaul their attacking line-up and look to mount a serious challenge in the 2025/26 season.
