Benjamin Sesko's first words and contract length as Man United confirm £73.6m RB Leipzig transfer

Manchester United have completed the signing of Slovenia international striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on a long-term contract.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford until the summer of 2030, and Man United are believed to have agreed to fork out a total of £73.6m for his signature.

Sesko is expected to be unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd for the first time before Saturday lunchtime's friendly with Fiorentina, and the former Red Bull Salzburg starlet can envisage him and his new teammates competing for the biggest honours in no time.

"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," Sesko told the official Man United website. "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.

“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."

Sesko signs for Man United as Red Devils chief lauds "rare combination"

Welcome to United, Benjamin! ❤️

? @Snapdragon x #ShotOnSnapdragon https://t.co/lORWhh0teQ pic.twitter.com/HeC2TB2gO9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2025

Sesko was at the centre of a two-horse transfer battle between Man United and Newcastle United, after Arsenal ended their interest in signing the Slovenia international and turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres instead.

While the Magpies would have been able to offer Sesko Champions League football, the 22-year-old was seduced by the Old Trafford project, as he joins Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon at the club for the 2025-26 season.

"Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football," Man United's director of football Jason Wilcox added.

"We have followed Benjamin’s career closely; all of our data analysis and research concluded that he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.

"Working under the guidance of Ruben and our excellent performance team, Benjamin is joining the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.

“The desire that all of our new signings have shown to join the club this summer highlights the appeal and stature of Manchester United, as we continue to build and develop a team capable of challenging for the biggest honours."

Man United sign Sesko: What next?

Sesko leaves Leipzig having amassed 39 goals and eight assists from 87 appearances for the German giants, including 21 strikes from 45 matches in the 2024-25 season.

The Slovenian will not be making his debut against Fiorentina, but he will be expected to earn his Man United baptism against former admirers Arsenal in the opening weekend of the Premier League season, as the Red Devils host the Gunners at Old Trafford on August 17.

Sesko's arrival could open the door for Rasmus Hojlund to leave the club amid links with AC Milan, who are understood to have made contact over a deal for the Denmark international during the summer window.

However, Hojlund is determined to compete with Sesko and fight for his place at the tip of the Red Devils attack, while Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi will have the same goal in mind.