Manchester United agree deal to sign Benjamin Sesko

Contributor
Emily Nicole
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Manchester United have beat Newcastle in the signing battle for striker Benjamin Sesko, as RB Leipzig agrees a deal in principle for an initial £66.3 million, with £7.37m performance related add-ons. 

Both clubs made bids under £70 million plus add-ons, with Newcastle making two bids. However Leipzig's officials are said to work on the basis of player preference. 

The 22 year old was open to both Premier League sides, but leaned more towards Manchester United.

Sesko was absent from the German side's pre-season friendly defeat to Atalanta on August 2, with his departure reportedly imminent.

The forward trained away from the team on August 5 and reportedly told his teammates he would be leaving. 

According to Sky Sports News, Sesko is expected to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

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Ruben Amorim speaks to fans at Old Trafford

How are Manchester United bringing in key signings?

This window has been key for Manchester United, as it's Ruben Amorim's first summer window. 

So far they've bought in Matheus Cunha for a reported £62 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo for a reported £71 million. 

Once Sesko puts pen to paper, United will have spent over £200 million on attack for the 2025/26 season. 

But how are the Red Devils spending on new signings when they are cutting costs and expected to spend £2 billion on a new stadium?

Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the club could "go bust" by Christmas if cost-cutting measures weren't put in place, but their summer signing window would say otherwise.

Ratcliffe has slashed funding to the club canteen and charitable funding, made staff redundant, increased ticket pricing and axed legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson from his long-standing ambassador role for the club. 

Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Viktor Lindelof have been released from the side, with more players set to be up for sale. 

Marcus Rashford spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa, and will now have a loan spell at Barcelona for 2025/26.

But it's not enough to explain United's spending spree. 

Despite reporting losses, cost-cutting and finishing 15th in the Premier League, the club reported last season was still profitable, allowing them to be able to spend.

And it seems that even the small moves from Ratcliffe are allowing for the rebuild Amorim so desperately wants.

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