Man United agree 'deal in principle' for Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United have reached a “deal in principle” to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko for a reported initial fee of £66.3 million (€76.5m) plus £7.37 million (€8.5m) in performance-related add-ons, totaling approximately £74 million, according to Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old forward, who had been linked to both United and Newcastle, later chose to join the Red Devils after reaching a deal with both clubs for his transfer.

Newcastle had been pursuing a deal for Sesko and submitted a second bid of £69.7 million, plus add-ons, on Tuesday, surpassing United’s offer of just under £70 million (€80 million) with add-ons.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the add-on clauses are “very easy to reach,” meaning the Red Devils are expected to pay an overall package of €85 million for Sesko.

Sesko emerged as Ruben Amorim’s top target for a proven striker, and following renewed talks with Leipzig in recent days, United have now secured a deal for the talented forward, outpacing Newcastle.

The striker’s arrival allows United to kick off the new Premier League season with a revamped front three, following the earlier summer signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Slovenian international bagged 21 goals across all competitions for Leipzig last season and was widely anticipated to secure a high-profile transfer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

United endured a disappointing season, with their two primary strikers, Joshua Zirkzee (3 goals) and Rasmus Højlund (4 goals), combining for just seven Premier League goals. This follows the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish of 15th.

United managed only 44 goals in 38 games last season, marking the fifth-worst record in the top flight.

Meanwhile, the Slovenia forward has been permitted to travel to Manchester to undergo his medical, and he is expected to be unveiled as their latest summer signing shortly.

He is expected to sign a five-year contract with the club, and he will likely be officially announced as a United player before the new Premier League season begins.

Sesko will mark United’s fourth summer transfer window signing, following the acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Diego León, and is expected to overtake Rasmus Højlund as the club’s primary centre forward.

However, Newcastle are likely to explore alternative attacking options, such as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, after falling short in their pursuit of nearly all striker targets.