Second most expensive RB sale fixed: Sesko goes to Manchester

RB Leipzig lose Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and pocket a tidy sum in return. Both clubs announced the transfer of the Slovenian striker to the Red Devils in the Premier League. Sesko will receive a long-term contract in Manchester until 2030.

In return, the English club will reportedly have to pay the Saxons a transfer fee of 76.5 million euros plus 8.5 million euros in bonuses. The sum could rise to a total of 90 million euros due to agreed additional payments. "Of course, the economic conditions also played a role," said Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer.

Sesko is therefore RB's second most expensive sale. The attacker, who came to Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023 for around €24 million, is only surpassed by Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender was released from Leipzig by Manchester City in 2023 for a rumored €91.5 million.

Bidding war drives up price

Sesko's departure, which had already been decided for a long time, nevertheless proved to be a tough undertaking because league rivals Newcastle United were also vying for the model professional alongside Manchester United. Unlike Manchester, Newcastle will be playing internationally next season, even in the Champions League.

Sesko nevertheless tended towards the Red Devils. The bidding drove up the purchase price - much to the delight of RB, who did not want to let the best attacker of last season's disastrous campaign go for less than 80 million euros anyway.

Sesko, who many compare to star striker Erling Haaland, scored 27 times in his 64 Bundesliga games and provided the assist for seven goals. He scored six times each for RB in the Champions League and DFB Cup.