09/08/2025

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SCAN ME

Malaysian Paper SCAN ME Devils on a roll SATURDAY | AUG 9, 2025

Benjamin Sesko. – AFPPIC

M ANCHESTER UNITED have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, according to reports. United are set to complete the signing of the 22-year-old striker, who will complete Ruben Amorim’s big-money attacking overhaul this summer. According to The Athletic , Leipzig have given Sesko permission to travel to Manchester for medical tests and his contract signing. United have struck a deal worth an initial £66.4 million (RM385m) plus £7.4 million (RM42m) in add-ons, which they will reportedly be happy to pay if they are achieved. Newcastle United were in hot pursuit of Sesko and offered Leipzig a more lucrative guaranteed fee than their Premier League rivals, totalling £71.5 million (RM414m). But the Slovenia international has opted for the allure of Old Trafford, and United wrapped up the signing in a quick, efficient manner after that decision. The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of Sesko, first attempting to recruit him as a 16-year-old from NK Domzale in his homeland. They tried again in 2023 before settling for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and followed up their interest last summer, until Joshua Zirkzee signed from Bologna. United have finally got their man, though, as the third and final instalment in a push to resolve the club’s attacking woes last season. Newcastle had earmarked Sesko as their preferred replacement for Alexander Isak, who is trying to force a move to Liverpool himself. But Eddie Howe’s side have been knocked back again in a miserable summer that has involved almost all of their targets rejecting moves to St James’ Park. Their only significant additions have been the £55 million (RM319m) capture of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, while Aaron Ramsdale has joined on loan from Southampton. Newcastle have been turned down by the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and now Sesko. Howe admitted that it has been a “challenging” summer for the Magpies, who remain on the lookout for two new strikers, with Isak potentially following Callum Wilson out of the door. “We are looking at the best players we can get. We are only looking at the best we can get, I

see all situations open and available to us,” Howe explained. Sesko has reportedly given up a portion of his wages in order to facilitate a transfer to United. Sky Sports Germany claim that Sesko agreed to waive part of his salary to force a move to United. He could have earned more at Newcastle, who were also willing to match RB Leipzig’s valuation, but the striker insisted on Amorim’s outfit instead, where he is set to earn less money. Also a key factor in getting a transfer over the line was Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, giving up a significant portion of the commission he was due to earn for his client’s move. The Red Devils scored just 44 goals as they slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League. Hojlund, Amorim’s No. 9, contributed just four of those. A reaction was required, and a reaction came. Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves for £62.5 million (RM362m) before Bryan Mbeumo completed his £71 million (RM411m) switch from Brentford. Sesko’s arrival bumps United’s summer spending up to £207.5 million (RM1.2b) without completing any player sales. Amorim is also said to want a midfielder and a goalkeeper before the deadline. United want to sell the four members of the “bomb squad” currently exiled at Carrington – Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. Hojlund is also now expected to depart after losing his spot as Amorim’s starting striker, with AC Milan strongly linked. United have raised funds through saving around £15 million (RM87m) on Marcus Rashford’s salary during his season-long loan at Barcelona and generating £16 million (RM92m) from sell-on clauses. Chelsea also sent £5 million (RM29m) to break their obligation to buy Sancho at the end of his loan last term. – Express Newspapers Man Utd ‘agree’ Sesko transfer, on look out for midfielder, goalkeeper before transfer window closes

- Story on page 29

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