Benjamin Šeško has officially joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig for a fee totalling £73.7 million. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker signed a five-year contract, becoming the club’s third major attacking signing this summer.
Record-Breaking Transfer Completed
Manchester United secured Benjamin Šeško for an initial £66.3 million with £7.3 million in achievable add-ons. The deal makes him the joint fourth-most expensive signing in the club’s history, matching Jadon Sancho’s transfer fee.
Benjamin Šeško chose United despite offers from Newcastle United and previous interest from Arsenal. He becomes the first Slovenian player ever to represent Manchester United at senior level.
The striker underwent his medical on Thursday before being presented to supporters ahead of United’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. He expressed excitement about joining such a prestigious club with significant potential.
Outstanding Leipzig Record Justifies Investment
Benjamin Šeško scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions during his two seasons at RB Leipzig. He netted 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga matches, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
His 2024-25 season proved particularly impressive with 21 goals in 45 appearances. He finished as the leading scorer under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz.
The striker demonstrated remarkable consistency in big matches, scoring six goals in 16 Champions League appearances. Benjamin Šeško also netted three goals in four Bundesliga encounters against Bayern Munich, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Physical Attributes Suit Premier League
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, Benjamin Šeško possesses the physical attributes to excel in English football. He recorded a top speed of 35.7 km/h in the Bundesliga, ranking among the fastest forwards in Germany’s top flight.
His aerial dominance proved exceptional with a 57% win rate in duels, the highest among Bundesliga strikers. He also demonstrated range from distance, with 23.1% of his goals originating from outside the penalty area.
Manager Ruben Amorim praised these qualities, noting that Benjamin Šeško possesses the traits they specifically sought. The Portuguese coach emphasised his character fits perfectly within the current squad dynamics.
International Career Flourishes with Slovenia
Benjamin Šeško made his senior international debut aged 18, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever debutant. He has since earned 41 caps and scored 15 goals for his country by age 22.
His first international goal came in October 2021 against Malta, making him Slovenia’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 18 years, 4 months and 8 days. He later scored his first hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan in September 2024.
Slovenia legend Zlatko Zahovič predicted that Benjamin Šeško would surpass his national goalscoring record of 35 goals. The veteran expressed complete confidence in the young striker’s potential to rewrite the record books.
Euro 2024 Performance Raises Profile
He played a crucial role in Slovenia’s qualification for Euro 2024, their first European Championship since 2000. He finished as Slovenia’s top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals from nine matches.
At the tournament, Slovenia advanced to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Benjamin Šeško featured in all four matches as they were eliminated by Portugal on penalties in the round of 16.
His performances on football’s biggest stage attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs. The exposure at Euro 2024 significantly raised Benjamin Šeško’s profile among top-level scouts and recruitment teams.
Rejected United Previously to Join Leipzig
Benjamin Šeško turned down Manchester United‘s advances in 2023, choosing to continue his development at RB Leipzig instead. He cited the importance of playing a similar style of football to aid his progression.
The striker explained his decision by emphasising the need for consistent playing time and tactical familiarity. He felt Leipzig offered a better environment for his continued development at that stage of his career.
However, circumstances changed significantly over the following two years. United’s current project under Ruben Amorim now appeals to Benjamin Šeško more than previous iterations of the club’s setup.
Newcastle Competition Intensifies Transfer
Newcastle United submitted multiple bids for Benjamin Šeško, including a £69.8 million offer that Leipzig rejected. The Magpies viewed him as the ideal replacement for Alexander Isak, who requested a move to Liverpool.
Despite Newcastle offering Champions League football, Benjamin Šeško preferred Manchester United’s project. Sources suggest he made his preference clear early in negotiations, favouring Old Trafford over St James’ Park.
The competition from Newcastle helped drive up the transfer fee. Benjamin Šeško’s agent leveraged interest from both clubs to secure improved personal terms with United.
Amorim’s Vision Attracts Young Talent
Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager played a crucial role in attracting Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United. The Portuguese coach’s reputation for developing young players proved influential in negotiations.
Amorim specifically praised Benjamin Šeško’s obsession with improvement and great potential. The manager believes these qualities will help the striker adapt quickly to Premier League demands.
United’s current squad composition suits Benjamin Šeško’s playing style perfectly. The club has numerous creative players including Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo ready to supply chances.
Cultural Impact in Slovenia
Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United represents monumental news for Slovenian football. The country currently has only one other Premier League player, Jaka Bijol at Leeds United.
His transfer will inspire young Slovenian footballers and increase the sport’s popularity domestically. Benjamin Šeško’s jersey sales have already increased significantly, with fans wearing his name at beaches and non-football events.
The cultural shift demonstrates football’s growing importance in Slovenia. Benjamin Šeško has become the nation’s most prominent sporting figure alongside basketball legend Goran Dragić.
Development Path Through Red Bull System
Benjamin Šeško progressed through the Red Bull football network, joining Salzburg from Domžale aged 16 in 2019. He initially played for sister club FC Liefering, scoring 22 goals in 44 second-tier Austrian matches.
His first-team breakthrough at Salzburg came in January 2021, leading to three Austrian Bundesliga titles and one Austrian Cup victory. Benjamin Šeško then moved to RB Leipzig in July 2023 for approximately €24 million.
The Red Bull system’s emphasis on high-pressing, attacking football prepared him perfectly for elite European competition. Benjamin Šeško’s tactical education within this framework benefits his transition to Premier League football.
Future Expectations at Old Trafford
Benjamin Šeško arrives at Manchester United with enormous expectations following their disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish. The club scored only 44 goals last season, highlighting their need for clinical finishing.
His integration will be carefully managed given United’s absence from European competition. This provides additional training time and reduces fixture congestion during his adaptation period. Benjamin Šeško can focus entirely on Premier League performances.
The striker’s potential partnership with other attacking signings creates optimism for United’s offensive transformation. Benjamin Šeško represents the cornerstone of their rebuilt forward line under Amorim’s management.
Benjamin Šeško’s arrival at Manchester United marks a significant step in both his career development and the club’s rebuilding project. His combination of youth, proven goalscoring ability, and physical attributes positions him perfectly to thrive in English football whilst helping restore United’s competitive status.
Read More : Outstanding: David Raya Breaks Arsenal Record Again!
