After failing in their previous two approaches to Benjamin Sesko in 2019 and 2022, Man United finally got what they needed.
The waiting time has ended as Man United have found the "number 9" they are looking forward to, while Sesko has the opportunity to shine in England. Both have achieved their wishes and now they must prove that this relationship will bring sweet fruit. Behind the expectation will be a lot of pressure and both sides really need this relationship to operate effectively. Sesko is expected to make his debut in the home match against Arsenal this weekend.
Since Sesko arrived in Leipzig in 2023, many people have believed that this day would come, even before. The star born in 2003 entered the "Red Bull ecosystem" in 2019, signing a contract with Salzburg just a few days after his 16th birthday, less than a year after Erling Haaland did the same.
Haaland is often mentioned every time they talk about Sesko, because not only did they grow up together from Red Bull's training center, they also have similar physical features. Both are 1m95 tall, possessing a figure that seems suitable for the traditional striker role, but still have an incredible breakthrough speed, something rarely seen in tall players.
However, the similarities stood there. Haaland showed his elimination instinct from his first starts at Salzburg and maintained that at Dortmund and Manchester City. Sesko - the Salzburg successor has never created a similar "scoring machine" feeling even though he still has 16 goals after 30 matches in the Austrian championship in his final season there.
Sesko lacks in the number of goals, he has compensated with his comprehensiveness in playing style, even somewhat surpassing Haaland when he was in Austria and Germany. The ability to move wide, run smartly, coordinate with teammates in the final third of the field and participate in the general system instead of just lurking in the penalty area makes Sesko a potential choice. However, many are still wondering whether he will be able to maintain his Bundesliga scoring performance after moving to Leipzig.
Sesko's biggest success at Leipzig has been becoming a consistent goalscorer in a top national championship. Despite two failed failed sets of six weeks, he still finished the season with 13 Bundesliga goals, just one behind his first. Sesko has been able to make the most of his strengths such as speed, powerful shots, and the ability to skillfully separate players like a small player.
Like Haaland, Sesko's time in the Bundesliga always felt like a "borrowing contract", just waiting for the day to join the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's long-standing interest in Sesko is clear. However, Arsenal's appointment of Andrea Berta - a favorite to recruit famous centre-forwards - has changed their direction to Viktor Gyokeres. This opens up an opportunity for Man United to return to Sesko's deal.
However, the two most recent deals the "Red Devils" signed with the expected young strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have not created a buzz. Experts question whether Old Trafford is the right environment for Sesko to develop and whether he will make the right choice?
Some people think that Sesko joining a team that does not have a place in the European Cup this season is a risky step. However, for Sesko, this is a story of medium-term vision. Man United was once a land of talent for many bright players and Sesko should avoid being a part of that list.
In terms of safety, Newcastle could be a more reasonable choice for Sesko, as he could follow the path Alexander Isak is taking. From potential to become a top attacking star. However, for Ruben Amorim - who turned Gyokeres into a top murderer in Europe, the opportunity for Sesko to explode is still open, especially when he has a full summer of training and a squad that is being built to the Portuguese coach's wishes.
Sesko's personality is also a big plus. Throughout the past summer, while transfer rumors have been surrounding, he has maintained a professional attitude at Leipzig. Sporting director Marcel Schafer admitted that this was a huge loss, both in terms of expertise and humanity. If the 22-year-old succeeds in the Premier League, it will be a major turning point in the rebuilding efforts of Manchester United.
