RB Leipzig had already prepared itself for it, and now Benjamin Sesko’s (22) departure is official. The striker is moving to Manchester United—for an exorbitant sum.
RB Leipzig signed Benjamin Sesko from Salzburg in the summer of 2023 as an “absolute gem of a striker.” Two years later, the Slovenian is leaving Saxony as a top international striker. There were many rumors during the previous transfer windows, and in recent weeks, the speculation gathered momentum. The only question left was: Manchester United or Newcastle United?
The Premier League clubs were bidding for the 1.95-meter giant, who scored 27 goals in a total of 64 Bundesliga appearances. In the background, Leipzig rubbed its hands and watched the transfer fee grow. Manchester United has now won the bid, paying up to 90 million euros for Sesko.
Here are the details: According to reports, a base transfer fee of €76.5 million will go to Leipzig, with a further €8.5 million available through relatively easy-to-achieve bonuses. Manchester United will also pay the so-called solidarity contribution, a kind of training compensation, which amounts to €3.5 million for Sesko. Sesko has signed a contract with Manchester until 2030.
In addition to a resale share, a friendly match against the Red Devils has also been agreed, which could make the transfer one of the most expensive in RB’s history. Josko Gvardiol moved to city rivals Manchester City two years ago for a whopping €90 million.
“Both on and off the pitch, his departure is a loss, but on the other hand, we are proud to have developed another player for the Premier League and one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schäfer in the club’s statement. “The financial conditions also played a role, of course.”
Sesko has now more than tripled the €24 million transfer fee originally paid for him, making him a good deal for Leipzig. Sesko’s decision is a bitter setback for Newcastle, as the Magpies had already agreed on a transfer fee of €82.5 million plus €2.5 million in bonuses with Leipzig. However, Sesko was determined to join the Premier League rivals.
Höjlund does not want to vacate his spot
In his farewell words, Sesko himself recalls “many special moments” in the RB jersey, “like my first goal in the Red Bull Arena, the last one in our stadium against FC Bayern, or our Super Cup victory in Munich.”
In addition to his performances in the Bundesliga – 13 goals and five assists last season – Sesko comes with the recommendation of 41 international caps (16 goals) and 28 in the Champions League (six goals). At Manchester United, Sesko will face competition in the center of the attack from Rasmus Höjlund, who recently expressed his determination to fight for his place, and former Munich player Joshua Zirkzee.
