According to the Athletic, Man Utd will pay Leipzig USD 89 million, plus an additional USD 10 million based on the Slovenian striker's performance at his new club. This means the Red Devils could spend up to USD 99 million for the 1.95-meter-tall player. He will arrive in Manchester today for a medical examination to finalize the new contract.
Sesko will sign a 5-year contract with Man Utd, lasting until the summer of 2030.
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Sesko celebrates his goal against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, UK, during the Euro 2024 qualifiers on 17/10/2023. Photo: Reuters |
Sesko celebrates his goal against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, UK, during the Euro 2024 qualifiers on 17/10/2023. Photo: Reuters
Born on 31/5/2003, Sesko has long been a target for Man Utd. Their recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, identified the 1.95-meter-tall striker's talent while he was still playing for Salzburg.
The Athletic describes Sesko as "the biggest, roughest, and brightest diamond" in Europe's top leagues. "Over the past year, he has developed into a powerful, fast striker with a strong mentality and thunderous shots," the report adds. "Sesko is the kind of striker who terrifies every defender. He has the potential to reach Erling Haaland's level."
Sesko is expected to be Man Utd's 4th signing of the summer of 2025, following 18-year-old defender Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. With the Slovenian center-forward, Man Utd will have a new attacking trio, replacing last season's Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford.
Hojlund's starting position is now uncertain, and he may have to leave. Man Utd needs to sell him for USD 51 million to avoid a loss on the Danish striker's book value. However, it's unlikely any team will offer a similar price.
Newcastle, after losing out on several players in this summer's transfer market, has been outmaneuvered by Man Utd for Sesko. The Saudi-owned club has now turned its attention to Chelsea's striker Nicolas Jackson. However, they are also expected to pay over USD 80 million, even though the Senegalese striker is only Chelsea's third-choice forward.
Hoang An (Athletic, Telegraph)
