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

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

Benjamin Sesko leaves RB Leipzig and changes to Manchester United, which is the first big transfer for the new season. The transfer fee for the Slovenian striker is up to 90 million euros. Manchester United initially pays 76.5 million euros, supplemented by up to 8.5 million euros in bonuses. In addition, the English club takes over a solidarity contribution of 3.5 million euros. Leipzig's managing director Sport, Marcel Schäfer, proudly commented on the development of the talent, which was only hired by Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2023 and scored 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga missions. Last season Sesko came to 13 goals and five assists.

Sesko will be under contract with Manchester United by 2030 and will have to compete on the offensive with Rasmus Höjlund and Joshua Zirkzee. The transfer could come close to Leipzig's record sales, which previously affected Josko Gvardiol for 90 million euros to Manchester City. Newcastle United also showed great interest in Sesko and 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 switch from Sesko to Manchester United were considered unlikely. Red Devils were hesitated by Leipzig's high demand and Sesko’s modest Torrecord. The striker was also in conversations with Arsenal, but he decided against a change to a club without European football after Arsenal weakened the last few years in the Premier League.

Manchester United initially targeted other destinations such as Liam Delap or Hugo Ekikats, but the changes in priority led Sesko to look like a different goal. During the post-season tour, Sesko said 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 leaving their original transfer shadows behind.

The expectations and challenges in Manchester

Sesko has extensive experience, which he was able to collect in 41 international matches with 16 goals and 28 champions League games, in which he scored six goals. Manchester United has been watching Sesko for seven years and has collected extensive data about him. The urgency of being successful this season is increased, especially after the disappointing last season. Those responsible are under pressure to make their decisions for the benefit of the club.

With the change from Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, a new section of his career is heralded, while RB Leipzig can see a further sale to a top European club, which continues to support the association'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 current developments for the transfer, you read more Kicker and New York Times.