Manchester United have completed the signing of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with the deal potentially reaching €85m (£73.6m) including add-ons. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, choosing United over Premier League rivals Newcastle United despite the Magpies offering a more lucrative financial package.
Sesko becomes the third attacking addition for manager Ruben Amorim this summer, joining Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £60m, took the iconic No.10 shirt, while Mbeumo, signed from Brentford for £33.5m, wears No.19. The club is yet to confirm Sesko's squad number, with his preferred No.30 already allocated to left-back Diego Leon.
Potential options include No.21, currently held by Antony, who is actively seeking a move away from the club. Other available numbers range from No.14, last worn by Christian Eriksen, to No.20 and several higher digits. United plan to unveil all new signings before Saturday's friendly against Fiorentina, with Sesko potentially making his competitive debut in the Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August.
In his first interview as a Manchester United player, Sesko expressed his excitement about the club's future. 'The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future,' he said. 'When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.'
The signing completes a trio of high-profile attacking arrivals for United this summer, with total spending in that area reaching approximately £200m. Sesko's arrival addresses the club's long-standing need for a proven goalscorer after relying on Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund last season.
