Manchester United Set to Secure Benjamin Sesko in £73.7 Million Deal: A Boost to United's Striking Options
Manchester United are on the verge of securing the services of Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth up to £73.7 million with RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old striker has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Newcastle, but he has expressed a preference for a move to United. The deal with Leipzig is valued at 76.5 million euros (£66.3 million) plus potential add-ons of 8.5 million euros (£7.4 million). Sesko is set to undergo a medical in Manchester before completing the transfer.
Last season, Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions and has been a long-standing target for Manchester United since his move to RB Salzburg in 2019. Newcastle initially made a bid for Sesko, but Manchester United responded with a rival proposal of 75 million euros (£65.4 million) plus potential add-ons of 10 million euros (£8.7 million). The terms of the deal with Leipzig have been adjusted, with United paying a slightly higher initial fee.
Sesko's imminent arrival at Manchester United will be their fourth signing of the summer as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. The club has already signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon in the current transfer window. Sesko's arrival raises questions about the future of Rasmus Hojlund, another young striker at the club.
Manchester United had been actively pursuing a striker this summer and prioritized Sesko over other targets like Ollie Watkins, Liam Delap, and Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle, who also had an interest in these players, missed out on Sesko, adding to their frustrations in the transfer market. Meanwhile, Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak has caused tension, with the player training at his former club Real Sociedad amid transfer speculation.
Despite interest from Liverpool, Newcastle, and other clubs, Manchester United's successful pursuit of Benjamin Sesko highlights their ambition to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The addition of Sesko adds depth to their attacking options and signals their intent to compete at the highest level.