Benjamin Šeško: It’s Manchester United or Never – Red Devils Close In on RB Leipzig Star
In what is fast becoming the defining transfer saga of the summer, Manchester United are now firmly in pole position to sign highly-rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. Despite Leipzig accepting a more lucrative offer from Newcastle United—an €82.5 million bid plus €2.5 million in add-ons—the 21-year-old goal machine has made it clear: he only wants Manchester United.
For a club still navigating its post-Ferguson identity, this is not just a big-money deal. It’s a statement of intent. United, under new partial ownership and evolving leadership from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group, are now being backed to secure one of the most coveted young forwards in Europe.
And for Šeško, this is no ordinary career move—it’s now or never.
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A Generational Talent with Premier League Dreams
Benjamin Šeško has long been touted as one of Europe’s next great strikers. Standing at 6’5” with blistering pace, refined technical skill, and a poacher’s instinct, he’s often compared to a young Erling Haaland—and not just because of their shared Red Bull roots. At just 21, Šeško boasts an impressive goal record for both club and country and possesses the rare ability to both lead the line and stretch defences with intelligent movement.
Last season with Leipzig, he scored 18 goals in all competitions, despite limited starts in the Bundesliga. His goals-per-minute ratio was among the best in Europe for players under 23, and his performances in the UEFA Champions League demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. It’s no surprise, then, that top clubs across Europe have been circling.
But while Newcastle looked to have stolen a march by meeting Leipzig’s financial demands, the player himself has pulled the brakes.
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Why Šeško Chose Manchester United
In an era where footballers are often swayed by the biggest contract or the fastest Champions League route, Šeško’s stance is refreshing. According to sources close to the deal, the Slovenian striker sees Manchester United as his dream club and the perfect platform to become a global star. His agents have reportedly made it clear to RB Leipzig that he will not agree personal terms with any club other than United.
Šeško grew up idolising the Premier League, and Old Trafford holds a special place in his heart. The aura of the “Theatre of Dreams,” combined with United’s global reach and their need for a leading No.9, makes it an irresistible proposition.
His decision is not purely emotional. There’s a strategic aspect to it too. At Manchester United, Šeško sees a pathway to becoming the club’s primary striker. With Rasmus Højlund still developing and Anthony Martial no longer in the picture, Šeško could become United’s undisputed No.9 by the end of the 2025/26 season.
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INEOS and United’s Transfer Resolve
The INEOS-led regime has been under pressure to deliver a big signing this summer, particularly after a season in which Manchester United narrowly avoided mid-table mediocrity. While budgetary constraints and FFP concerns have dictated a more cautious approach, United have saved their biggest push for a player they believe can lead the line for a decade.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his recruitment team, including new technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, are believed to be fully aligned on Šeško. This marks a significant shift from the disjointed transfer windows of the past, where targets were often debated or vetoed internally.
What’s more, United are prepared to match Leipzig’s asking price, even if their formal bid is slightly lower than Newcastle’s. The advantage lies not in the money, but in the player’s desire. With Šeško pushing for the move, Leipzig may have no choice but to finalise the deal with the Red Devils to avoid a prolonged and messy standoff.
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Newcastle’s Disappointment
For Newcastle, missing out on Šeško is a bitter pill to swallow. The Magpies, bankrolled by Saudi ownership, are eager to build a squad capable of regular top-four finishes. With Callum Wilson aging and Alexander Isak subject to interest from rival clubs, Šeško was seen as the ideal long-term striker for Eddie Howe.
The club thought they had done enough by submitting the highest bid. But as so often happens in football, the player’s personal preference has overruled the business side. Newcastle may now have to turn their attention to other targets such as Serhou Guirassy or Victor Boniface.
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What Šeško Brings to Manchester United
If the deal is completed, Benjamin Šeško will bring attributes that United’s current squad sorely lacks:
Elite Physical Presence: At 6’5″, Šeško is an aerial menace, capable of bullying defenders and offering a real threat from set-pieces.
Pace and Power: Despite his height, he is rapid on the break and fits perfectly into a counter-attacking system.
Two-Footed Finisher: Equally comfortable finishing with both feet, he offers variety in the box.
Pressing Intelligence: Having developed in the Red Bull system, Šeško knows how to press high—something Erik ten Hag values in his forwards.
Pairing him with Højlund in a flexible front two or rotating between the pair across four competitions would give United depth and dynamism up front—something they’ve lacked since the days of Rooney and Van Persie.
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A Pivotal Moment in United’s Rebuild
This transfer window is crucial for Manchester United. After a trophyless campaign and heavy criticism directed at both Ten Hag and the board, the fans demand real change and ambition. Signing Šeško would be a powerful sign that the club is finally getting it right: identifying top talent early, acting decisively, and beating rivals to signature deals.
Furthermore, it sends a message to the dressing room. Players want to join clubs that show intent. Landing Šeško—especially after beating Newcastle financially and Chelsea tactically—would restore some much-needed faith among the fanbase.
It also puts pressure on other departments. With a world-class striker potentially inbound, United must now reinforce their midfield and defence to support him. A goalscorer can win you games, but a balanced squad wins you titles.
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“Manchester United or Never”
According to reports from Slovenia, Šeško’s camp has used the phrase “Manchester United or never” when describing the player’s intentions. He sees this as a pivotal moment in his career. Waiting another year could mean risking injury, form drop, or being priced out of the move. If the opportunity to join the Red Devils is there now, he wants to take it—and make Old Trafford his new home.
In many ways, this is the kind of player United have needed: not just one with talent, but with genuine desire to wear the shirt.
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Final Steps: Medical and Announcement?
All signs point to the final stages being imminent. Should United agree to personal terms—believed to be around £120,000 per week—and formally submit a package close to Leipzig’s valuation, the medical could be completed within days. The player is reportedly already preparing for the move and has informed Leipzig teammates of his decision.
An official announcement could be made before United’s next pre-season fixture, allowing the striker to integrate with the squad early.
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Conclusion
In the end, Benjamin Šeško’s potential arrival at Manchester United could be the defining moment of a new era. With a powerful blend of youth, ambition, and technical brilliance, Šeško is the type of striker Old Trafford has not seen in years.
As the deal edges closer, one truth becomes clear: for Šeško, it’s Manchester United or never—and the red half of Manchester may soon be celebrating the arrival of their next great No.9.
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