By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@ManUnited.
Manchester United have completed a £73.7m deal to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, the club confirmed.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with Man Utd set to pay an initial £66.26m (€76.5m) with £7.36m (€8.5m) in performance-related add-ons for the Slovenia international.
He is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, with the trio presented to the club’s fans prior to Saturday’s pre-season home game against Fiorentina.
Sesko, 22, was also a target for Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim’s side.
“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,”Jason Wilcox, Man United’s director of football, said in the club’s announcement.
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, while the Magpies were fifth and qualified for the Champions League in a campaign in which they also won the EFL Cup.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.
“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 team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Sesko has spent the past two seasons in Germany with Leipzig, having joined them from sister club Salzburg in 2023.
He scored 39 goals in 87 games in all competitions, along with eight assists, with 27 of those coming in 64 Bundesliga appearances.