Man United sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig
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Benjamin Sesko scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Benjamin Sesko believes that Manchester United are the “perfect place” to reach his potential, as the Slovenia striker signed for the Red Devils from Germany’s RB Leipzig on a contract until 2030 on Aug 9.
The transfer fee is €76.5 million (S$114.5 million) with €8.5 million bonuses.
The 22-year-old Sesko, who joined Leipzig from Austrian club RB Salzburg in 2023, scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for the German team.
The official announcement came just before United welcomed back former goalkeeper David de Gea to Old Trafford for a pre-season friendly with his Fiorentina side.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko. “When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben (Amorim) and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Jason Wilcox, director of football, said: “Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football.
“We have followed Benjamin’s career closely; all of our data analysis and research concluded that he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.
“Working under the guidance of Ruben and our excellent performance team, Benjamin is joining the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.”
United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, have also signed forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as left back Diego Leon, for the new campaign which starts at home to Arsenal
The trio were presented to the crowd at Old Trafford.
Sesko’s confirmation as a new United player also came a day after the club opened the doors to their 50 million pound redevelopment of their men’s first team building
United’s renovated training base features smart urinals that measure a player’s level of hydration, dry flotation tanks, an underwater treadmill, a padel court, a Formula 1 simulator, and even a barber shop.
Redesigned with input from players and staff, with ideas borrowed from the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and the England team base at St. George’s Park, among others, the state-of-the-art training hub opened just as manager Amorim and his squad returned following their pre-season tour of the United States.
“All credit to Sir Jim (Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner) and his team, I think they did an unbelievable job,” said United defender Diogo Dalot.
“I think finally we’re getting to a level where this club deserves, and now it’s up to us on the pitch.”
Ratcliffe cut the ribbon to open the centre alongside the players, Amorim, chief executive officer Omar Berrada, the team’s former manager Alex Ferguson, and others.
The year-long project was led by Mancunian architect Norman Foster and his firm Foster + Partners and financed with part of the £300 million (S$519 million) capital injection into the club by Ratcliffe in 2024.
“We are delighted with the outcome and are confident the new facility will play an important role in building a winning culture at the club,” said the Briton.
The medical and recovery facilities feature MRI and CT scans, a DEXA scan that measures everything from body fat to bone density, sleep pods, a heat and altitude chamber used for acclimatisation to different temperatures, humidity and oxygen levels, and hyperbaric and cryotherapy chambers.
The players’ dining lounge has floor to ceiling windows, a pool table and the F1 simulator. On the menu on Aug 8 was everything from grilled salmon to sushi to smoothie bowls. REUTERS, AFP
