Manchester United seal €85m deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko

Slovenian unveiled to fans during Saturday's friendly match with Fiorentina at Old Trafford

Manchester United new boy Benjamin Sesko is introduced to the fans before the pre-season game with Fiorentina at Old Trafford. Getty Images

Manchester United have completed their third major move of the summer transfer window by signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal that could rise up to €85 million.

United are understood to be paying Leipzig an initial €76.5m plus a potential €8.5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old Slovenian who scored 39 goals in 87 games for the German club.

Sesko – who was also wanted by Newcastle United but decided on a move to Old Trafford – joins Bryan Mbeumo (€75m from Brentford) and Matheus Cunha (€74.2m from Wolves) as the club aim to bolster an attack that has struggled for goals in recent seasons.

United endured their worst their worst top-flight campaign in 51 years when they finished 15th last season and also lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Only four other teams scored fewer than United's 44 goals in 38 Premier League games.

Despite last season's struggles, that saw Erik ten Hag sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim, Sesko believes he is joining the “perfect place” to win trophies and improve as a player.

“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” Sesko said in a statement on the club's 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 and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

Sesko is set to be unveiled to his new supporters on Saturday when United entertain Fiorentina at Old Trafford.

His Premier League bow should come next Sunday when Amorim's side are at home to Arsenal on the opening weekend of the new season.

Standing 1.95 metres tall, Sesko's towering physique, electric pace and eye for goal have earned comparisons with Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Like Haaland, he also made his name at RB Salzburg before moving to Germany in 2023.

United are banking on Sesko's potential to fire them back into contention at the top of the Premier League.

Between them, Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo combined for 58 goals last season.

United director of football Jason Wilcox said: “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.

“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.”

The rebuild under Amorim continues to gather pace. While Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko have been brought in, there are a number of players heading out.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, Alejandro Garnacho were all told not to report back for preseason training with the rest of the squad as they looked to finalise moves away.

Rashford has since joined Barcelona on a 12-month loan with the Catalan giants having the option of signing the England international on a permanent deal.

Sancho has been linked to various clubs including Atletico Madrid and Juventus, Antony is keen to extend his successful loan spell at Real Betis for another season, while Scottish champions Celtic are reported to be interested in Malacia.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are in talks with United to sign Argentine winger Garnacho who is valued at £50m by the club.

Sesko's arrival could also mean Rasmus Hojlund heads for the exit with AC Milan keen to take the former Atalanta striker back to Serie A.