Manchester United and Arsenal are considering a move for RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, sources have exclusively revealed to TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal at the start of the summer but he decided to remain with Leipzig as he felt it was best for his development. Sesko’s decision to stay earned him a new contract which increased his salary significantly, and also removed a release clause of €65m (£55.3m, $70.8m) from his deal.
There is another release clause in his new deal, and he also has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Leipzig that could allow him to leave the club in 2025. This has given hope to Man Utd and Arsenal, who are both keeping close tabs on Sesko’s situation. He is unlikely to move in January but the chances of him leaving next summer are high and the Premier League duo are among those keen.
Sesko’s agents have visited both Old Trafford and the Emirates in recent months. Conversations have been held with the club’s representatives to discuss the conditions of a potential transfer. Sesko also wants guaranteed game time and the opportunity to be a consistent first-team player, per TEAMtalk sources.
Manchester United’s aspirations to build a formidable squad for the 2025 season seem firmly focused on securing high-profile talent. In a detailed piece by GIVEMESPORT, Ben Jacobs reveals the club’s ongoing interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Despite the summer tug-of-war with Arsenal and Chelsea, United’s intent has not wavered. Jacobs notes, “Manchester United still retain hopes of signing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko in the future, Ben Jacobs has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT.”
This statement underscores United’s commitment to a strategic overhaul, spearheaded by their new transfer executives, Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. Their approach is not just about immediate gains but aligning the club’s trajectory with long-term success.
The 2025 vision for Manchester United includes making impactful signings that can redefine the team’s attacking capabilities. Sesko, with a “blistering pace” and described as having an “insane” ball-striking ability, fits the archetype United are eager to integrate. His performances in the Bundesliga have certainly made a compelling case. With 14 goals to his tally last season, his potential arrival could elevate United’s frontline, which currently features Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, Jacobs highlights a possible snag in this plan, stating, “Whilst Arsenal remain the favourites to secure his signature, given that they were his top choice if he was to move in recent months, Sesko could still move and United are in the hunt – but they have work to do if they are to land their man.” This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of football transfers and the need for United to differentiate their pitch to prospective signings.
The addition of Sesko would necessitate a tactical reshuffle at United, especially considering the existing talents of Hojlund and Zirkzee. Jacobs insightfully points out, “It is hard to see where Zirkzee or Hojlund would fit in, with one of the pair likely to be demoted to third-choice striker if Sesko joins.” This scenario presents a challenge for United’s management to balance ambition with squad harmony.
Benjamin Sesko’s last season performance solidifies his reputation as a forward to watch in European football. According to Fbref, his non-penalty goals per 90 minutes place him in the 88th percentile among forwards—a stellar achievement indicating his efficiency in front of goal. This figure, paired with his non-penalty expected goals (xG) of 0.43, which ranks in the 64th percentile, suggests not only a knack for finding the net but also being in the right positions to do so frequently.
While Sesko’s goal-scoring capabilities headline his attributes, his overall gameplay offers more to dissect. His total shots per game sit at 2.58, placing him in the 51st percentile, which supports his above-average finishing skills. However, his creativity numbers are a mixed bag with assists sitting in the 55th percentile which is fairly average, he is over-performing in this regard with his xAG sat in the 8th percentile.
Defensively, Sesko’s contributions are noteworthy for a forward, with his blocks and clearances standing out impressively in the 94th and 89th percentiles, respectively. These statistics show his willingness to contribute to defensive duties, a valuable trait in modern football’s high-pressing systems.
In summary, Benjamin Sesko’s performance data from Fbref highlights a player with formidable goal-scoring instincts and budding playmaking potential. As he continues to refine his skills, his holistic contributions could see him rise as a complete forward in top-tier European football.
There was speculation surrounding the forward's future over the summer, with Man United linked with his services, while Arsenal are believed to have given serious consideration to making a move. Sesko ultimately penned a new deal with Leipzig, though, with his current terms running until June 2029, and he has made a solid start to this season, scoring two goals and registering two assists in six appearances.
The 21-year-old arrived at Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, and he has scored 29 goals and registered 11 assists in 79 appearances for his current side in all competitions. According to GIVEMESPORT, Man United still have a long-term interest in Sesko, and the club could go head-to-head with Arsenal for his signature in the not too distant future.
Red Devils minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be considering giving the green light for the club to move for Sesko during next summer’s transfer window. Man United added Joshua Zirkzee to their squad over the summer, and the Netherlands international scored on his debut for the club against Fulham on the opening night of the new Premier League campaign. Zirkzee is still waiting for his second goal for the club, but his link-up work has been impressive.
Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, made his first appearance of the season off the bench against Crystal Palace on Saturday, having been absent in the opening weeks of the campaign due to a hamstring issue. It would be fair to say that there are concerns when it comes to whether Zirkzee or Hojlund are capable of becoming 20-goal-a-season strikers for the Red Devils. Hojlund managed a respectable 16 goals in 43 appearances for the club last season following his arrival from Atalanta BC, and the 21-year-old has shown plenty of potential. However, it remains to be seen whether either forward can fire Erik ten Hag’s side back into the top four in the Premier League, with the club finishing down in eighth last term.
Man United are believed to have considered moving for Ivan Toney over the summer, but Ten Hag was not keen on bringing the Englishman to the club from Brentford. The Red Devils are soon expected to confirm the arrival of 16-year-old Chido Obi Martin, with the 32-goal striker leaving Arsenal over the summer, but a deal has thus far not been completed.
