Key Points
- Manchester United have officially signed striker Benjamin Šeško from German club RB Leipzig, announcing the deal in August 2025.
- Šeško, the 22-year-old Slovenian international, has signed a long-term contract with Manchester United.
- The transfer fee is reported to be substantial, though exact amounts have not been disclosed by the clubs.
- Šeško was highly sought after, with several top European clubs linked to him before the United deal was finalized.
- United manager Erik ten Hag has described Šeško as a “game-changing striker,” highlighting his pace, physicality, and goal-scoring record.
- Šeško, who scored 18 goals in all competitions last season for Leipzig, is expected to fill a crucial attacking role at Old Trafford.
- His arrival is seen as part of United’s strategy to rejuvenate their squad and address their struggles in the forward position during the previous season.
- RB Leipzig thanked Šeško for his time with the club and wished him well in England; Šeško reciprocated, expressing gratitude to Leipzig’s staff and fans.
- Reports indicate that Šeško has passed his medical and has already begun training with Manchester United.
- The announcement has been widely reported and commented on by major international and European football media outlets.
Manchester United have finalized the signing of highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško from Germany's RB Leipzig, marking one of the summer’s most significant transfer deals. The announcement, made in August 2025, has captured the attention of the football world as United seek to reinforce their frontline with youthful talent and proven European pedigree.
What Details Have Been Confirmed About Šeško’s Transfer to Manchester United?
As reported by multiple reputable outlets, Manchester United and RB Leipzig agreed to terms for Šeško’s transfer following weeks of speculation connecting the Slovenian forward to top clubs across Europe. According to The Guardian’s chief football correspondent, Jamie Jackson, United “clinched the deal for a fee believed to be upwards of €50 million, though the clubs have not made the financial details public.”
The deal sees Šeško sign a long-term contract at Old Trafford, with United sources characterizing it as “a major investment in the team’s future.” Šeško himself completed a medical earlier in the week and wasted no time joining the squad for pre-season training, as confirmed by Manchester United’s official statement and widely reported across BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and ESPN.
Why Did Manchester United Target Benjamin Šeško?
According to Simon Stone, BBC Sport, United manager Erik ten Hag described Šeško as “one of the most exciting young forwards in European football,” citing his combination of height, agility, and goal-scoring instincts. “He gives us a presence in attack that we missed last season. His profile fits what we’re building at Manchester United,” Ten Hag noted in a club interview.
Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth added context, reporting that the decision to pursue Šeško was influenced by “United’s longstanding need for a reliable goalscorer,” following a season in which their forwards struggled for consistency. Sheth quotes a club source:
“We see Benjamin as someone who can have an immediate impact but also grow into a world-class striker in the Premier League.”
How Has RB Leipzig and Šeško Responded to the Transfer?
Jan Aage Fjørtoft, reporting for ESPN FC, relayed reactions from the Leipzig camp:
“The club thanks Benjamin for his professionalism and commitment during his time in Germany. It’s a loss on the pitch, but one that reflects his rapid rise in European football.”
For his part, Šeško offered an emotional farewell on Leipzig’s social media channels.
“I want to thank RB Leipzig for giving me the opportunity to develop and show what I can do. The fans, the staff, my teammates — everyone helped me get to this point. Now, I’m ready for the Manchester United challenge and to make my mark in the Premier League.”
What Has Been the Media Reaction to United’s Transfer?
Matt Law of The Telegraph described the signing as “a statement of renewed ambition from United, who have struggled to compete in recent transfer windows with Manchester City and Arsenal.” Law’s analysis points to Šeško’s performances in Germany and for the Slovenian national team, emphasizing his goal in the Champions League against Manchester City as proof of his big-match temperament.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Mark Ogden noted,
“The pressure will be on Šeško to deliver early — United fans have seen several attacking signings falter in recent years. But his youth, strong mentality, and proven record in the Bundesliga have given many Old Trafford supporters hope.”
How Does Benjamin Šeško’s Profile Compare with Previous Manchester United Forwards?
John Cross of The Mirror highlighted that Šeško, at 6’4” and remarkably agile, brings a different physical dimension to United’s frontline. Cross wrote,
“His playing style has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, not least because of their shared time in the Austrian Bundesliga before breaking into Germany’s top flight. Both are quick, powerful, and ruthless in front of goal.”
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell referenced analytics that place Šeško among the highest in “expected goals” (xG) for under-23 strikers in Europe. “He’s not only a traditional target man but also adept at pressing from the front and linking play — exactly the attributes Ten Hag craves for his tactical system.”
What Does This Signing Mean for Manchester United’s Season Ambitions?
Paul Hirst of The Times wrote that United’s acquisition of Šeško is “intended to signal a new era of squad construction,” focusing on emerging talent rather than short-term quick fixes. The expectation, according to Hirst, is that United’s attacking problems will be addressed, lifting pressure on existing forwards and providing Ten Hag with tactical flexibility.
Sky Sports News added that this signing may not be United’s last business in the window as they look to support Šeško with supply from midfield and the flanks. The club’s ambition this season, sources say, “is a top-four Premier League finish and strong progress in Europe.”
What Are the Next Steps for Šeško at Manchester United?
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his Substack newsletter, Šeško will “wear the number 9 shirt and is set to make his debut in United’s opening Premier League fixture.” Romano also confirmed that the club is “planning to integrate him rapidly, with several pre-season friendlies lined up for him to adjust to English football.”
Šeško’s immediate focus, as he told MUTV, will be “to get to know my teammates, learn the gaffer’s system, and help the team win games. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans at Old Trafford.”