Manchester United have won the race to sign Benjamin Sesko, landing the striker from RB Leipzig for a reported £73.7million.
Sesko, the Slovenian international, was originally on Arsenal’s shortlist earlier in the summer before they moved for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, and the 22-year-old was also courted by Newcastle United.
The Magpies tabled two bids for Sesko, seeing the second accepted by the Bundesliga side, but United played the waiting game, delaying making an official bid until they knew for certain that Sesko preferred a move to Old Trafford.
The price the Red Devils will pay is a reported £73.7m, with £66.3 m of that coming up-front. The remainder will be paid in performance-related add-ons.
Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford adds another body to Ruben Amorim’s central striking ranks, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee now given more competition for the No9 berth in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
With the signing of Sesko, United have now completely revitalised their front three, with fellow new recruits Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo coming in earlier in the window for a combined £130m.
Since he moved to Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg, Sesko ranks highest in goals scored by players under the age of 23 across Europe’s top five leagues. He notched 39 goals in 87 appearances for the Bundesliga side.
