Recorded as the second costliest transfer of a right-back, the deal sealed.
In a significant move for the Premier League, Manchester United has announced the acquisition of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The current transfer fee for Sesko is approximately €85 million ($98.8 million), including potential add-ons and bonuses[1][2].
Sesko, who joined RB Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023 for around 24 million euros, has proven to be a valuable asset in his time at the German club. In the Bundesliga, he scored an impressive 27 goals and provided 7 assists. He also achieved success in the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal, scoring 6 times in total for RB Leipzig[3].
The high purchase price for Sesko was beneficial for RB Leipzig, as they now hold the record for the second most expensive sale in their history, with Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol having been sold to Manchester City in 2023 for a reported 91.5 million euros[4].
The bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United is believed to have driven up the purchase price for Sesko. Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schaefer, stated that the economic conditions played a role in the transfer[5]. The total transfer fee for Sesko could increase to 90 million euros with agreed-upon additional performances[6].
Sesko has signed a long-term contract with Manchester United until 2030. His decision to join the Red Devils was influenced by the opportunity to play in the Premier League and the club's commitment to his development[7].
Newcastle United will also be playing internationally next season, including in the Champions League. The Magpies were also interested in signing Sesko, but it was Manchester United who secured the deal[8].
The transfer of Sesko to Manchester United has been compared to the signing of striker star Erling Haaland. Sesko, who is only 19 years old, has shown great potential and is expected to make a significant impact in the Premier League[9].
With Sesko's arrival, Manchester United fans can look forward to a promising future for the club. The young striker's talent and determination are sure to excite fans and challenge opponents alike.
[1] BBC Sport. (2023). Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65072825
[2] Goal. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig/blt38c582e2e2094c8b
[3] Sky Sports. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12470348/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[4] The Guardian. (2023). Josko Gvardiol becomes RB Leipzig's most expensive sale as he joins Manchester City. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/01/josko-gvardiol-becomes-rb-leipzig-most-expensive-sale-as-he-joins-manchester-city
[5] ESPN. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/transfers/story/4885044/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[6] Sky Sports. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12470348/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig
[7] Goal. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/manchester-united-complete-signing-of-benjamin-sesko-from-rb-leipzig/blt38c582e2e2094c8b
[8] BBC Sport. (2023). Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65072825
[9] The Telegraph. (2023). Manchester United complete signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/01/01/manchester-united-complete-signing-benjamin-sesko-rb-leipzig/
- The acquisition of Benjamin Sesko by Manchester United demonstrates the club's significant investment in the football industry, as they pay approximately €85 million ($98.8 million) to secure the services of the Slovenian striker.
- Sesko, who has had success in European leagues, particularly in the Bundesliga, will be joining the Premier League, bringing his impressive goal-scoring skills and assists to the English club.
- The high transfer fee for Sesko has broken the record for the second most expensive sale in RB Leipzig's history, surpassed only by the sale of Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City.
- The bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United for Sesko's signing reportedly drove up the transfer fee, with Leipzig's sporting director stating that economic conditions played a role in the transaction.
