By Street Sport Team | July 30, 2025
Manchester United are intensifying their efforts to bolster their attacking options as the summer transfer window nears its climax, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko emerging as a prime target. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker has caught the attention of the Red Devils, who are eager to secure a new No. 9 to spearhead their attack under manager Ruben Amorim.
A Long-Standing Interest
United’s pursuit of Sesko is not new. The club has been tracking the powerful forward for over three years, with interest dating back to his time at Domzale as a 16-year-old. In 2021, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recommended signing Sesko for a modest £2.5 million, but the move was deemed too risky. Sesko instead joined RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, where he has since developed into one of Europe’s most promising strikers, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances, including 21 last season alone.
Why Sesko?
Sesko’s appeal lies in his blend of physicality, speed, and goal-scoring prowess. Standing at 6’5”, he draws comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, with teammates like Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen calling him the best striking partner he’s ever had. His ability to score against top-tier defenses, including Bayern Munich, highlights his potential to thrive in the Premier League.
Recent reports indicate that Sesko is open to a move to Old Trafford, even without the lure of European football, which United cannot offer this season after finishing 15th in the Premier League. The striker has reportedly been impressed by United’s vision and Amorim’s project, which includes integrating him into a revamped attack alongside recent signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Transfer Dynamics
United face competition from Newcastle United, who see Sesko as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, amid speculation of the latter’s move to Liverpool. However, reports suggest Sesko favors a move to Manchester over Newcastle, giving the Red Devils an edge. A key factor in United’s favor is their director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at Leipzig and has existing relationships with the player and his representatives.
Leipzig are reportedly open to negotiations, with a “gentleman’s agreement” allowing Sesko to leave for a “special” club for around €70 million (£60.6 million), a reduction from his earlier £69-78 million valuation. This price drop makes the deal more feasible for United, who have already spent £133.5 million on Cunha and Mbeumo. However, further signings may depend on outgoings, with players like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony potentially leaving to balance the books.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite United’s optimism, challenges remain. Sesko previously rejected a move to United in 2022, citing Leipzig’s playing style as better suited to his development. His preference for a club with a similar tactical setup could pose a hurdle, as Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation differs from Leipzig’s two-striker system. Additionally, United’s pursuit of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a Premier League-proven striker, indicates they are weighing multiple options.
Former United star Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubts about Sesko, urging the club to prioritize Watkins for his guaranteed 15-20 goals per season. However, United’s hierarchy, led by Vivell, sees Sesko as a long-term investment with higher potential resale value compared to the 29-year-old Watkins.
What’s Next?
As the transfer window deadline approaches on September 1, United are accelerating their efforts. Recent contacts with Sesko’s camp have moved to concrete discussions about contract terms and the club’s vision. With Newcastle prepared to match Leipzig’s financial demands, United will need to act swiftly to secure their man.
For Manchester United fans, Sesko represents a bold statement of intent—a young, dynamic striker who could redefine their attack. Whether the Red Devils can outmaneuver Newcastle and convince Sesko to embrace the challenge at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but the coming weeks promise to be pivotal.
Stay tuned to Street.co.ke for the latest updates on Manchester United’s transfer saga and more football news from around the globe.