Manchester United’s search for a marquee striker appears nearly complete, as the club closes in on a deal with RB Leipzig for 22-year-old forward Benjamin Sesko. The Old Trafford outfit and Newcastle United have been engaged in a fiercely contested bidding war, with both clubs offering substantial financial packages for Sesko.

While Newcastle initially raised eyebrows by submitting a bid of €80 million, Manchester United responded with an offer totaling €75 million plus €10 million in performance-related incentives, bringing their proposal in line with Leipzig’s valuation.

Despite Newcastle’s readiness to match and even surpass United’s financial terms, the defining factor appears to be Sesko’s personal preference. Multiple sources report that Sesko has made clear to both Leipzig and the Premier League suitors that his ambition is to play for Manchester United, shifting the momentum of talks in favour of the Red Devils.

Star Quality and a Long-Term Bet

Benjamin Sesko’s rise from Slovenian teenager at NK Domzale, through Salzburg, to Bundesliga prominence with Leipzig, has consistently drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. While he has yet to match the Norwegian’s prolific output, Sesko’s blend of pace, size (1.95m), and ruthless finishing make him a daunting prospect for Premier League defences.

Last season, he netted 21 goals across all competitions, helping to maintain his upward trajectory despite Leipzig’s struggles—the club sacked Marco Rose and endured their worst league finish since promotion.

Manchester United have scouted Sesko since his teenage years and believe his ceiling is among the highest in Europe. United boss Ruben Amorim has emphasized the character and mentality required for Old Trafford signings, and Sesko has reportedly met these vetting standards: “It’s really important how they play…but their character is really important,” Amorim stated recently.

United’s willingness to push hard on this transfer is a signal of their renewed intent to rebuild their forward line around exceptional young talent.

Big Stakes and Immediate Expectations

Both the size of the proposed transfer fee and Sesko’s decision carry weighty expectations. For Manchester United, this will be one of the priciest outlays for a striker since their previous record deals—reflecting both the club’s urgent need for a long-term striking option and Sesko’s status as a high-upside, if still-developing, star.

Sources inside the club are convinced that, with proper support, Sesko can become a transformative figure for United’s attack.

While as of August 6, an official agreement between the clubs awaits finalization, the path is clear: United’s tradition and project have won the striker’s faith, and RB Leipzig’s acceptance now appears a matter of formality.

For the Premier League, Sesko’s decision is a major storyline in the 2025 summer transfer window—and for United, a fresh era is set to begin.