Manchester United has officially triggered one of the biggest transfers of the summer 2025 window, reaching an agreement to sign striker Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. This is not just an expensive contract but also a strategic move that clearly demonstrates the ambition to completely reconstruct the forward line under the new era of manager Rúben Amorim.
The "Massive" Details of the Contract
After weeks of negotiations and fierce competition with Newcastle United, the Red Devils have won the race for the Slovenian striker's signature. The level of investment in this deal showcases the absolute faith the board has placed in Šeško.
- Transfer Fee: The total value of the deal is reported to be up to €85 million (approximately £74 million). Of this, Manchester United will pay a fixed upfront fee of around £66.5 million, with the remainder structured as performance-related add-ons for the player and the club. This figure makes Šeško Manchester United's most expensive signing of the summer 2025 transfer window.
- Contract Duration: Šeško will sign a long-term contract running until June 2030. This indicates that he is viewed as a cornerstone for the long-term future of the Old Trafford club.
- Salary and Special Clauses: While not officially announced, the 22-year-old striker's salary is rumored to be around £140,000 per week. Notably, the contract is said to include a special clause tied to collective performance: the player's salary will automatically be reduced (by around 25%) if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League, and conversely, will be boosted with bonuses if this target is achieved.
- The Pull of Old Trafford: A key factor in the deal was Šeško's own strong desire to join Manchester United, leading him to turn down an equally attractive offer from Newcastle.
Huge Expectations: The "New Haaland" and the Pivot of the Attack
Spending such a colossal sum shows that Manchester United isn't just buying a striker; they are investing in a potential icon for a new era.
1. The Complete Modern Forward:
At 1.95m (6'5"), Šeško is a physical "monster." He possesses incredible speed for his tall frame, outstanding aerial ability, and a particularly powerful, "cannon-like" long-range shot. His style of play is often compared to that of Erling Haaland – a modern, powerful center-forward capable of operating independently and finishing in diverse ways.
2. The Nucleus of a New Trio:
Šeško does not arrive at Old Trafford alone. He is the final piece to complete the revolution of the forward line, following the club's signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Fans are now anticipating that manager Rúben Amorim will build a completely new attacking trio: Šeško as the highest forward, with Cunha and Mbeumo operating flexibly on the wings or in deeper roles. This combination promises to bring speed, power, and creativity to an attack that has lacked consistency in recent seasons.
3. The Future of Rasmus Højlund:
The arrival of Šeško all but signals the end of Rasmus Højlund's future at Old Trafford. Reports suggest the club is now willing to sell the Danish striker for a fee of around just £30 million, an admission that the gamble on Højlund did not yield the expected results.
In summary, the Benjamin Šeško transfer is a resounding statement of intent from Manchester United. They have not hesitated to spend big to acquire their desired target, a player expected to be the solution to their goal-scoring problems and the leader who will guide the team back to the pinnacle of glory. The pressure on the young Slovenian striker will undoubtedly be immense, but the potential he brings is enough to give the Red Devils' fans reason to dream of a brighter future.
