Manchester United have today confirmed the capture of Slovenia’s Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig in a marquee deal that underscores their ambitions for a resurgence.
The 22-year-old center-forward has signed a five-year contract running until June 2030, with the transfer structured as €76.5 million plus up to €8.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Long linked with the “Theatre of Dreams,” Šeško was officially unveiled at Old Trafford before United’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, where he joined Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego León in front of a packed stadium.
Manager Rúben Amorim hailed Šeško as possessing traits that beautifully complement United’s revitalised attack: “He is really young, he is good in the air, he is good running the channels and he is good on the ball, so I think he has great potential… he is going to feel at home in our club. He is the right character in this group.”
Šeško himself conveyed a perfect mix of respect for the club’s storied past and excitement for its future. “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future,” he said. “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.”
The club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, emphasised the exceptional blend of physicality and pace Šeško brings to the 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… Working under the guidance of Ruben… Benjamin is joining the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.”
Šeško’s rise to Old Trafford has been swift yet measured. Born on 31 May 2003 in Radeče, Slovenia, he began gaining attention in youth systems at Krško and Domžale before joining RB Salzburg at age 16.
He subsequently excelled on loan at Liefering—Salzburg’s second-team side—scoring 22 goals in 44 appearances in Austria’s second tier. His progression continued in Salzburg’s first team and later at RB Leipzig, where in two seasons he amassed 39 goals in 87 games across all competitions.
Šeško’s move to Manchester United wasn’t without competition. Newcastle United and even Arsenal reportedly vied hard for his signing. Newcastle was said to have tabled a higher offer and the allure of Champions League football, yet Šeško’s preference proved decisive.
Reports emphasise he “always had the intention of signing with United,” rejecting Newcastle’s package in the process.
The arrival of Šeško caps a summer of considerable reinvestment under Amorim, following the acquisitions of Cunha, Mbeumo, and defender Diego León.
With total outlay on these new recruits estimated to be in the region of £200–230 million, United are clearly intent on rediscovering their competitive identity after a disappointing 2024–25 season, in which they finished 15th in the Premier League.