Manchester United fans were treated to a special sight today as new signing Benjamin Sesko was paraded at Old Trafford. The Slovenian international's arrival has generated considerable excitement among supporters, who are eager to see him in action for the Red Devils.
The club officially confirmed the transfer of the 22-year-old striker from RB Leipzig earlier today. Sesko has signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2030. The deal is reportedly worth £73.7 million, with an initial payment of £66.26 million (€76.5m) and a further £7.36 million (€8.5m) in performance-related add-ons.
Sesko's unveiling took place before Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. The young striker was presented to the crowd, waving and acknowledging the fans as he walked around the pitch. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters chanting his name and displaying banners welcoming him to the club.
"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future," Sesko said in his first interview as a Manchester United player. "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." He also expressed his excitement about working with manager Ruben Amorim and connecting with his new teammates. "From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created," he added. "It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfill all of my ambitions."
Director of football Jason Wilcox lauded Sesko as an exceptional young talent, highlighting his electrifying pace and physical dominance. "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," Wilcox stated.
Sesko's arrival at Manchester United marks the culmination of a long-term pursuit. The club had been interested in signing him in the summer of 2022, but he ultimately chose to join RB Leipzig. This summer, however, United were determined to secure his services, fending off competition from Newcastle United, who reportedly made a higher bid. United were confident that Sesko preferred a move to Old Trafford.
Sesko is considered one of Europe's most promising young strikers. Over the past two seasons, he has scored the most goals of any player under the age of 23 in Europe's top five leagues. Last season, he scored 21 goals and registered six assists for RB Leipzig. He has also made 41 appearances for Slovenia, scoring 16 goals.
Sesko's arrival is expected to bolster Manchester United's attacking options significantly. He is likely to be the focal point of Amorim's attacking trident, alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. His height, technical ability, powerful shot, and physical style have drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The signing of Sesko takes United's spending to around £214 million this summer, following the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha, Diego León, and Bryan Mbeumo. The club's fans will be hoping that these new additions can help them improve on last season's disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League. Manchester United begin their Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17.
