Manchester United have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, according to reports. United are set to complete the signing of the 22-year-old striker, who will complete Ruben Amorim’s big-money attacking overhaul this summer.
According to The Athletic, Leipzig have given Sesko permission to travel to Manchester for medical tests and his contract signing. United have struck a deal worth an initial £66.4million plus £7.4m in add-ons, which they will reportedly be happy to pay if they are achieved.
Newcastle United were in hot pursuit of Sesko and offered Leipzig a more lucrative guaranteed fee than their Premier League rivals, totalling £71.5m.
But the Slovenia international has opted for the allure of Old Trafford, and United wrapped up the signing in a quick, efficient manner after that decision.
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of Sesko, first attempting to recruit him as a 16-year-old from NK Domzale in his homeland.
They tried again in 2023 before settling for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and followed up their interest last summer, until Joshua Zirkzee signed from Bologna.
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United have finally got their man, though, as the third and final instalment in a push to resolve the club’s attacking woes last season.
The M16 giants scored just 44 goals as they slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League. Hojlund, Amorim’s No. 9, contributed just four of those.
A reaction was required, and a reaction came. Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves for £62.5m before Bryan Mbeumo completed his £71m switch from Brentford.
Sesko’s arrival bumps United’s summer spending up to £207.5m without completing any player sales. Amorim is also said to want a midfielder and a goalkeeper before the deadline.
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United want to sell the four members of the ‘bomb squad’ currently exiled at Carrington – Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.
Hojlund is also now expected to depart after losing his spot as Amorim’s starting striker, with AC Milan strongly linked.
United have raised funds through saving around £15m on Marcus Rashford’s salary during his season-long loan at Barcelona and generating £16m from sell-on clauses.
Chelsea also sent £5m to break their obligation to buy Sancho at the end of his loan last term.