Manchester United have taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, with the RB Leipzig striker now understood to have chosen Old Trafford as his preferred destination this summer.
The 21-year-old Slovenia international is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and had been on the radar of both Newcastle United and Manchester United. However, it now appears that United have taken the lead, with multiple reports confirming that the player “wants the move”.
According to Ben Jacobs, United even sent a “secret delegation” to Germany to kick off formal talks, while journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft says Sesko believes playing under Ruben Amorim is key to his development.
Vivell’s Influence Behind the Move
United’s head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is reportedly a key figure driving the move. Having previously worked with Sesko at Leipzig, Vivell has convinced United to act now, seeing the forward as the long-term No.9 for Amorim’s system.
In comments to Bundesliga.com, Vivell previously said:
“He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Despite being 1.95m, he’s mobile and technically strong. A special player with a special profile.” — Christopher Vivell, Man Utd Head of Recruitment
Watkins vs Sesko – What the Stats Say
United had also been considering a move for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, but his Premier League experience comes with a steeper price. That, combined with Sesko’s desire to join, is pushing the deal in one direction.
Here’s how the two compared in 2024/25:
| Stat (2024/25) | Benjamin Sesko | Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 33 | 38 |
| Goals | 13 | 16 |
| Assists | 6 | 8 |
| Chances Created per 90 mins | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Shots on Target per 90 mins | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| Aerial Duel Success | 57.4% | 41.3% |
| Touches in Opposition Box per 90 mins | 3.7 | 6.3 |
| Take-ons Completed per 90 mins | 1.5 | 0.4 |
| Lay-offs Completed per 90 mins | 1.7 | 1.6 |
Analyst Verdict: Sesko is the Future — and the Fit
This isn’t just a cheaper alternative to Ollie Watkins — this is a move with long-term vision.
Benjamin Sesko’s profile is tailor-made for Amorim’s vertical, aggressive pressing system. He offers elite aerial ability, goal-scoring instincts, and surprising mobility for his frame. His 57.4% aerial duel success is one of the highest among top-tier strikers under 22.
Watkins is a proven Premier League striker, but Sesko is still developing — and that might be exactly what United need. A No.9 they can shape, rather than one who’s already hit his peak.
With Vivell backing the move and the player sold on the project, this one feels like a perfect match — if United can get the fee below €70m.
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin Sesko has told Man Utd he wants to join
- Watkins’ high price pushed United to prioritise Sesko
- United sent a secret delegation to Germany to begin talks
- Christopher Vivell’s prior Leipzig links are proving crucial
- A deal could happen before the end of the first week of August
What’s Next for United and Sesko
Manchester United are now in formal negotiations with Leipzig over a deal below €70m. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem — Sesko wants to join Amorim. Newcastle are still in the race but increasingly look like outsiders. United will push to get the deal done before mid-August
Should Man Utd go all-in on Benjamin Sesko — or is Ollie Watkins worth the extra money?
2 Comments (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 30 Jul 2025 17:17
Wow, turnaround. Newcastle might end up with Jackson in the end. So curious why they keep failing landing players this summer?! Is it Howe who just doesn’t have that pull or what’s going on in the end?!
By Adem 30 Jul 2025 17:08
There's a different playing in the Bundesliga or the Premier League, 2 worlds apart! But, despite that. I do think that Sesko has more to give in the long term than Watkins. Even though he's proven PL striker despite his age.
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