Man Utd's Expensive Gamble on Sesko After Twice Turning Him Away

Manchester United Secure Benjamin Sesko After Twice Letting Him Escape

Manchester United have finalized the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, ending a six-year pursuit of the Slovenian talent. The transfer marks a significant investment by the Red Devils, following two previous occasions where they were unwilling to meet the striker's asking price.

The club first identified Sesko when he was just 16 years old, but hesitated to act, allowing Red Bull Salzburg to sign him in 2019 for €2.5 million. Years later, under manager Erik ten Hag, United again considered Sesko during his 2022 summer window. However, the then fee of €24 million (having risen further since) was deemed too high for a player with limited top-flight experience at the time. Consequently, Sesko moved to RB Leipzig, where United's recruitment team, led by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell (who previously signed Sesko at Leipzig), had monitored his development.

Despite the considerable cost, United have now spent up to £74 million (including add-ons) to bring the 22-year-old forward to Old Trafford. Leipzig accepted a bid of £66.5 million plus potential add-ons. Newcastle United were also strongly pursuing Sesko but have now been beaten to his signature.

The acquisition of Sesko, who has drawn comparisons to the likes of Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic but prefers to model his own game, comes despite concerns he might be considered a high-risk, high-reward "project" player, especially given the club's simultaneous pursuit of established Premier League strikers. Nevertheless, there is considerable enthusiasm for the arrival of the dynamic forward, seen as a vital addition to Ruben Amorim's newly assembled attack.