RB Leipzig sells Sesko to Manchester United for a record sum!

RB Leipzig sells Sesko to Manchester United for a record sum!

Benjamin Sesko is leaving RB Leipzig for Manchester United, marking the first major transfer of the new season. The transfer fee for the Slovenian striker is up to 90 million euros. Manchester United will initially pay 76.5 million euros, supplemented by up to 8.5 million euros in bonuses. The English club is also making a solidarity contribution of 3.5 million euros. Leipzig's sports director, Marcel Schäfer, was proud of the development of the talent, who was only signed by Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2023 and scored 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga appearances. Last season Sesko had 13 goals and five assists.

Sesko is contracted to Manchester United until 2030 and will have to compete with Rasmus Höjlund and Joshua Zirkzee in attack. The transfer could come close to Leipzig's record sale, which previously involved Josko Gvardiol for 90 million euros to Manchester City. Newcastle United had also shown great interest in Sesko and had already agreed on a transfer fee of 82.5 million euros, but the transfer ultimately failed.

The negotiations and the decision for Manchester United

Originally, a move from Sesko to Manchester United was considered unlikely. Red Devils officials hesitated due to Leipzig's high demands and Sesko's modest goalscoring record. Although the striker was also in talks with Arsenal, he decided against a move to a club without European football after Arsenal had been weak in the Premier League in recent years.

Manchester United had initially targeted other targets such as Liam Delap or Hugo Ekitike, but the changes in priority meant that Sesko looked like a different target. During the postseason tour, Sesko expressed that he was open to a “special” offer of 80 to 90 million euros. Manchester United ultimately found a way to sign the striker after putting their initial transfer shadows behind them.

The expectations and challenges in Manchester

Sesko brings with him extensive experience, which he was able to gain in 41 international matches with 16 goals and 28 Champions League games in which he scored six goals. Manchester United have been monitoring Sesko for seven years and have collected extensive data on him. The urgency to be successful this season is heightened, especially after the disappointing last season. Those responsible are under pressure to make decisions that benefit the club.

Benjamin Sesko's move to Manchester United marks the beginning of a new phase in his career, while RB Leipzig can record another sale to a top European club, further supporting the club's financing strategy. It remains to be seen how the striker will gain a foothold in the Premier League and whether the high expectations can be met.

For the latest developments regarding the replacement, read more Kicker and New York Times.