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Manchester United has secured the signature of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko on a five-year contract, with negotiations concluding after the Slovenian forward prioritized a move to Old Trafford. The deal, totaling £66.3 million (£76.5 million) upfront and £7.37 million (£8.5 million) in performance-linked incentives, underscores United’s strategic preference to avoid a bidding war with Newcastle, who had recently submitted a rival offer of £69.7 million (£80 million) plus add-ons.
Sesko, who underwent a medical in Manchester on Friday, is expected to join the club ahead of their pre-season friendly against Fiorentina on Saturday. United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, emphasized the importance of signing players who align with the team’s vision, regardless of Champions League qualification prospects.
While Leipzig remains interested in acquiring striker Rasmus Hojlund, United’s ability to structure a deal for Sesko before addressing other squad needs has been clarified. Financial flexibility allows the club to proceed with acquisitions, provided they finalize sales before the window closes.
The Sesko transfer exacerbates uncertainty around Newcastle’s pursuit of Alexander Isak, with the Magpies now likely to maintain their current squad. Meanwhile, Premier League rivals like Liverpool have been linked to Newcastle’s targets, highlighting broader transfer market dynamics.
United’s focus now shifts to balancing recruitment with financial prudence, as manager Ruben Amorim aims to strengthen key positions while managing the potential impact of Hojlund’s future. The Sesko capture marks a significant coup in bolstering United’s attacking options, reinforcing their ambitions to compete at the highest level.
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