It feels like every summer transfer window has that one saga that just captures everyone's attention, doesn't it? Well, this year, it seems all eyes are on Manchester United and their determined pursuit of RB Leipzig’s powerhouse striker, Benjamin Sesko. The Old Trafford club have officially made the 22-year-old Slovenian their number one target, signaling a major shift in their recruitment strategy.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Manchester United has made RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko their top transfer priority this summer.
- ✓ Leipzig is reportedly seeking a hefty fee of £75million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause for the Slovenian international.
- ✓ United had the chance to sign a 16-year-old Sesko in 2019 for just £2 million but viewed the price as "excessive" at the time.
- ✓ The club's recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, who previously worked at Salzburg and Leipzig, is a major influence on this transfer pursuit.
- ✓ Newcastle United are also keen on Sesko, especially if their star striker Alexander Isak departs St James' Park.
Why Sesko is Now United's Top Target
So, what’s the story here? Manchester United have made informal contact with their Bundesliga counterparts and the message is clear: Sesko is the one they want. This move comes after they also explored a deal for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. However, Villa were adamant that Watkins is not for sale, and United’s hierarchy was reluctant to pay the massive fee it would have taken to even make them consider it.
Interestingly, the decision to go for Sesko over Watkins is a fascinating one. While Sesko's deal is expected to be more expensive overall, with Leipzig asking for around £75 million plus add-ons and a future sell-on percentage, United believes a more favorable payment structure can be negotiated. It's a clear choice of long-term potential over a proven, but older, Premier League option. United already have years of scouting on him, making this a calculated gamble they seem ready to take.
The pressure is also on from other clubs. Newcastle United have identified Sesko as their top candidate to replace Alexander Isak, should he decide to leave. This rival interest has seemingly accelerated United's actions, pushing them to make their move before another Premier League club swoops in. It’s a classic transfer tango, and United are determined to lead the dance this time.
More Than Just a "New Haaland"
Whenever a tall, powerful, and quick striker emerges from a Red Bull club, the comparisons to Erling Haaland are inevitable. And at 6ft 5in, Sesko certainly fits the physical profile. He’s not just big; he’s incredibly athletic, clocking a top speed of 35.7km/h in the Bundesliga. One recruitment specialist who spoke to BBC Sport put it perfectly, saying, "He's so athletic, he's big, physical and strong. I think the physicality of the Premier League won't overawe him."
But he's more than just a physical specimen. While he can play as a target man, his game has evolved. Last season, he became more involved in build-up play, dropping into space and linking with wingers and midfielders. He’s got that Zlatan Ibrahimovic-esque confidence, too. In 2022, he was quoted as saying his Salzburg teammates told him he was "better than" Haaland. While Haaland's goal-per-game ratio at Salzburg was significantly higher, you have to appreciate that level of self-belief in a young striker.
An expert described him as "relentless" and "clinical," with the ability to hold off defenders and bring others into play. He might not be the finished article just yet, but the consensus is that with a bit of time, he has all the tools to become a top-tier forward. Central European football expert Lukas Vrablik noted, "He has the quality to play in one of Europe's best sides. He can be a big asset."
A Look at the Stats and His Path to Leipzig
Looking at the numbers, Sesko’s record is impressive. Since moving to Germany, he’s become the top goalscorer currently aged under 23 among players in Europe's top five leagues, even edging out Jude Bellingham. In two seasons with Leipzig, he’s scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions, including six in the Champions League. That’s a solid return for a young player in a demanding league.
However, it hasn't all been a smooth, upward curve. The 2024-25 season was a bit underwhelming by his own high standards. He scored 13 Bundesliga goals, one fewer than the previous year, despite playing nearly 900 more minutes. But here's the crucial context: Leipzig had a tough season. They sacked their manager Marco Rose in March and limped to their lowest league finish since promotion, making it difficult for any forward to truly shine.
The historic criticism of Sesko has been the gap between his best and worst performances, and that consistency remains a work in progress. But his journey from Salzburg’s feeder club, Liefering, where he exploded with 21 goals in a single season, to becoming a key player for Leipzig and the Slovenian national team (16 goals in 41 games) shows a clear trajectory of development and resilience.
The People and The Price Tag
A key figure driving this whole transfer is Manchester United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell. This isn’t just a random name on a list for him; Vivell was in executive roles at both Salzburg and Leipzig when the deals for Sesko were originally agreed. He has advocated strongly for United to make this move, having tracked the player's development for years. This is a long-term plan finally coming to fruition.
United have tried and failed to sign Sesko on multiple occasions—in 2019, 2022, and again last summer before he opted to stay at Leipzig. This is essentially their "fourth time lucky" attempt. A crucial part of the puzzle is a reported "gentleman's agreement" between Sesko and Leipzig, stating the club won't stand in his way if an "elite club" makes an offer in the region of £70m. This informal understanding gives United a clear target to aim for.
Of course, affording the deal is another matter. United have already spent big on attackers like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer. Finalizing the Sesko transfer will likely depend on player sales, and you can expect some tough negotiations with Leipzig to get the deal over the line. But the intent is there, and with Vivell's backing, it feels more like a question of 'when' than 'if'.
Conclusion
So, what's the bottom line? Manchester United are making a massive statement by going all-in for Benjamin Sesko. They are consciously choosing raw, world-class potential over the safer, proven commodity of a player like Ollie Watkins. This move is years in the making, driven by key figures behind the scenes who have believed in Sesko's talent from the very beginning.
It’s a high-stakes, high-reward strategy. If it pays off, United could have a striker who defines their attack for the next decade. While there are still questions about his consistency, the combination of his physical gifts, technical skill, and confident mentality makes him one of the most exciting prospects in European football. It's a bold bet on the future, and one that could reshape the front line at Old Trafford for years to come.
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