Manchester United have today confirmed the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, who joins the club on a five-year deal.
The coveted centre-forward has put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 at Old Trafford, becoming the side’s third signing of the summer.
Already this transfer window, United have welcomed Premier League-proven attackers Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now, Ruben Amorim will enter 2025/2026 with an entirely new frontline at his disposal, which was crucial following a campaign in which the side netted only 44 league goals.
Fans will be hoping all three of their new additions are named in the starting XI for United’s opening fixture of 2025/2026 next Sunday: a home clash with Arsenal at 4.30 pm. Operators providing sports betting services for this and other sports events use the sports odds api for the most precise odds aggregation.
How United finalised a deal for Sesko
Sesko had garnered interest from a host of sides since the start of the summer; for a lengthy period, it was expected he’d be joining the Gunners, until they were priced out of a move and pursued Viktor Gyokeres instead.
The 22-year-old was then added to Newcastle United’s shortlist shortly after Alexander Isak informed the board of his desire to explore alternative options. They sent two bids Leipzig’s way, the second of which came to a total of £78.3 million.
Meanwhile, the proposal sent by INEOS chiefs totalled £73.8 million, prompting Leipzig to accept Newcastle’s earlier this week. They were, however, essentially cornered into negotiating with United when Sesko made it clear he wanted a move to the 20-time champions over the Magpies – even though the Tyneside outfit had promised more lucrative wages and the chance to play Champions League football next season.
Such pledges were ultimately not enough to sway the Slovenian towards St. James’ Park, meaning he was then added to the list of players who’ve rejected Newcastle in recent months; Mbeumo, Cunha, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike all snubbed the club in favour of transfers elsewhere.
As for what we can expect from United in the final month of the window, they will now look to facilitate Rasmus Hojlund’s exit, who would only be playing second fiddle to Sesko if he stayed put anyway.
The lacklustre No.9 has been heavily linked with a loan move to AC Milan, and is believed to be resigned to being forced out in the coming weeks despite his public pleas to stay and fight for a starting spot.
Hojlund recorded a measly four league goals in 32 appearances last campaign – six fewer than he managed in his maiden term.
