Manchester United are making Benjamin Sesko, the 22-year-old Slovenian striker from RB Leipzig, their number one target as they aim to reinforce their attacking options for the 2025/26 season. After months of internal deliberation, scouting reports, and transfer strategy meetings, the club has placed Sesko at the top of its striker shortlist. United’s recruitment team believes Sesko possesses the ideal profile—youth, athleticism, physicality, and room for growth—to lead the line at Old Trafford in the coming years.
The renewed urgency stems from the club’s need to build a more reliable and future-proof forward line, especially with recent injuries and inconsistent performances from their current options. Erik ten Hag’s team has struggled for consistent output from the No. 9 position, and Sesko’s style has been flagged as one that could solve several issues simultaneously.
Benjamin Sesko: A Breakout Star on Europe’s Radar
Benjamin Sesko has become one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe, drawing attention from top clubs thanks to his performances in both the Austrian and German leagues. After emerging at Red Bull Salzburg, he joined RB Leipzig in 2023 and quickly made a name for himself in the Bundesliga. His physical dominance at 6ft 5in (196 cm), combined with pace, technical finishing, and hold-up play, has made him a standout talent among European strikers under 23.
In two seasons at Leipzig, Sesko has recorded 39 goals in 87 appearances, an impressive feat considering his adaptation period in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He also features regularly for the Slovenian national team, adding international experience to his portfolio. According to stats from Transfermarkt, his market value has soared to over €60 million, and that continues to climb.
United Have Made Contact with RB Leipzig
United have already established initial contact with RB Leipzig regarding a possible deal for Sesko. According to multiple trusted sources in England and Germany (Sky Sports, BBC Sport, Fabrizio Romano), there is ongoing dialogue about the conditions required to bring the striker to Old Trafford.
Sesko reportedly has an informal release agreement with Leipzig that would allow him to leave if a club deemed “elite” offers in the region of £70 million (€82M). While it’s not a formal release clause, Leipzig has shown flexibility in letting their young talents move on when the right opportunity and offer come.
This arrangement gives Manchester United a clear path—but not without competition. Clubs such as Newcastle United and AC Milan are also monitoring the situation. Still, United’s early contact indicates they are moving seriously toward securing his signature.
Newcastle’s Interest Tied to Isak’s Future
Over the past few weeks, Newcastle United have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future. With several top clubs circling Isak, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, Newcastle may need to find a replacement quickly if the Swedish striker departs.
However, United appear to have taken the lead in this transfer battle, and their pitch to Sesko includes not just financial incentives but also the opportunity to become the focal point of their future project.
United Also Looked at Ollie Watkins but Faced Barriers
Before solidifying their interest in Sesko, Manchester United had considered a move for Ollie Watkins, the English forward who plays for Aston Villa. Watkins had an excellent season, helping Villa qualify for the UEFA Champions League. However, the club has made it clear to all suitors that he is not for sale.
Moreover, there are practical reasons why United are hesitating. At 29 years old, Watkins does not fit the club’s long-term model of buying players who can retain or increase their value over time. Sources at Old Trafford say there is internal resistance to spending a large transfer fee on a player with limited resale potential and high salary demands.
Ruben Amorim’s Philosophy and the Premier League Experience Debate
There’s a philosophical contrast in the scouting debate. Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP’s highly-rated coach who had been linked to the United job in the past, is said to prioritize players with Premier League experience. Sesko, although prolific, has not yet played in England, which might be a minor concern for managers wanting ready-made solutions.
However, United’s management believes that the Bundesliga’s physical and tactical demands are strong enough preparation for the Premier League. The success of other former Bundesliga forwards, such as Erling Haaland and Kai Havertz (despite varying degrees of adaptation), has encouraged the belief that Sesko can make the transition successfully.
What Sesko Would Bring to Manchester United
Should Manchester United complete the deal, they would gain a striker who offers a unique blend of size, speed, and scoring instinct. Unlike Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Højlund, Sesko is a traditional target man who can also stretch defenses and drop deep to link play.
Here’s a summary of what he brings to the table:
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height and Strength | 6ft 5in (1.96m), excellent in aerial duels |
| Finishing Ability | 39 goals in 87 Leipzig appearances, efficient with both feet and head |
| Age and Development | Only 22, with time to grow under structured coaching |
| Versatility | Can play lone striker or in a two-forward system |
| Market Value Growth | Still rising, offering long-term ROI if sold later |
Sesko’s addition could bring a new dynamic to United’s forward line, giving them options in various formations—from a traditional 4-3-3 to a 4-2-2-2 or even a 3-5-2 if needed.
United’s Transfer Budget and “Bomb Squad” Reality
Despite spending nearly £130 million already this summer—on players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo—United sources say they are not under pressure to sell before buying again. However, it is also acknowledged that financial headroom would be helpful to balance the books and support future spending.
To generate funds, the club is attempting to sell several out-of-favor players, unofficially dubbed the “bomb squad.” These include:
- Jadon Sancho – whose fallout with Ten Hag has kept him sidelined.
- Alejandro Garnacho – reportedly open to leaving after reduced minutes.
- Tyrell Malacia – returning from injury but not in first-team plans.
- Antony – whose inconsistency and off-field controversies have hurt his stock.
These players were all left out of the club’s U.S. preseason tour, indicating they are no longer part of the main squad’s future. Selling them would free up wages and squad space, though finding suitable buyers—especially at high wages—is proving difficult.
All Eyes on Sesko
Benjamin Sesko represents a strategic signing that aligns with United’s ambition to rebuild around youth, energy, and potential resale value. The move won’t be cheap—£70 million is a substantial investment—but the logic is rooted in long-term planning rather than short-term panic.
With contact made and negotiations potentially in progress, fans may not have to wait long to see whether United can pull off one of the most promising striker signings of this transfer window.
The Information is collected from Sky Sports and BBC.
