Manchester United have officially completed the signing of striker Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €85 million including add-ons, bringing one of Europe’s most promising young forwards to Old Trafford.
The Slovenian international has penned a long-term contract with the Red Devils after choosing United over Newcastle United, who had also made a strong push for his services throughout the summer transfer window.
The deal breaks down to an initial €76.5 million (£66.3 million, $89.1 million) with an additional €8.5 million in performance-related add-ons that Leipzig view as achievable given Šeško’s potential for success at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old striker has signed a five-year contract, tying him to United until 2030.
United director of football Jason Wilcox played a crucial role in securing the transfer, with the club’s extensive data analysis and scouting reports identifying Šeško as the perfect fit for their attacking needs. The prolonged negotiations with Leipzig finally reached a conclusion after weeks of discussions between high-ranking officials from both clubs.
Player’s First Words as a Red Devil
Speaking after completing his move, Šeško expressed his excitement about joining United and working under manager Ruben Amorim. “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” the striker said.
“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.”
The Slovenia international also spoke about his ambitions at Old Trafford: “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 team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Why United Won the Race
Šeško’s preference for United over Newcastle proved decisive in the final stages of negotiations. Despite Newcastle making higher initial bids, including a second offer worth £69.8 million, the striker’s desire to join United never wavered throughout the process.
Sources close to the deal revealed that Šeško would not agitate for a move but had made it clear he only wanted to move to Old Trafford. This determination, combined with United’s project under Amorim and the club’s rich history, ultimately swayed the decision in their favor.
The Red Devils’ ability to complete the deal without needing to sell players first also provided them with a crucial advantage over their Premier League rivals. This financial flexibility allowed United to structure their bid in a way that satisfied Leipzig’s valuation while meeting Šeško’s personal terms.
What United Are Getting
Jason Wilcox praised the new signing’s unique attributes, describing him as possessing “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.”
The United director emphasized the club’s thorough research process: “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.”
Šeško’s arrival addresses United’s need for attacking depth alongside Rasmus Højlund. The Slovenian striker brings versatility, having operated across the front line during his time in Germany, where he scored 18 goals in 42 appearances last season for Leipzig.
Integration and Future Plans
Working under Amorim’s guidance, Šeško joins what Wilcox described as “the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.” The striker is expected to be integrated into United’s pre-season preparations immediately, with the club keen to have him available for their Premier League opener.
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The signing is United’s third major addition of the summer transfer window, as the club continues rebuilding under their new management structure. Amorim’s tactical system should suit Šeško’s playing style, with the striker’s pace and physical presence expected to add a new dimension to United’s attack.
The official announcement concludes weeks of speculation and positions United as serious contenders for major honors in the upcoming season, with Šeško’s arrival addressing a key area that needed strengthening.
