Manchester United have finalized a blockbuster £73.7m transfer for Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig, outpacing Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Arsenal.
The 22-year-old, who signed a five-year contract until June 2030, joins United in a deal comprising an initial £66.3m (€76.5m) payment and £7.4m (€8.5m) in performance-related add-ons. Šeško, set to be unveiled before United’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, brings a dynamic edge to Ruben Amorim’s squad, which finished a disappointing 15th last season.
Šeško, Slovenia’s youngest-ever international debutant and goalscorer, has an impressive record, netting 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining from RB Salzburg in 2023.
His 21 goals last season made him the top scorer under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues. United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Šeško’s “electrifying pace and ability to dominate defenders,” highlighting his potential to thrive at Old Trafford. Šeško expressed excitement about United’s future, stating, “The history of Manchester United is special, but the project’s ambition to compete for trophies is what excites me.”
The transfer, part of United’s £200m+ summer overhaul, includes signings like Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£65m), revitalizing their attack. Newcastle’s bids, peaking at £69.7m, were rebuffed as Šeško favored United’s vision.
This move may impact Newcastle’s plans for Alexander Isak, while United could offload players like Alejandro Garnacho or Jadon Sancho to balance the squad. With Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Šeško’s arrival intensifies competition for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, signaling United’s intent to reclaim Premier League glory.
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