Five things Man United fans might not know about Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko’s long running transfer saga is coming to an end after months of speculation around his future.
Sesko was originally a target for Arsenal, as the Gunners considered the striker alongside Viktor Gyokeres before they decided to sign the latter.
Manchester United and Newcastle then battled it out for Sesko as both Premier League club’s wanted, and needed, a new number nine.
Sources told Football Insider that Sesko wanted to join the Red Devils, despite the Magpies holding a three-hour conversation with Sesko about a move move to Tyneside.
It is Man United and manager Ruben Amorim who have seemingly won the race for Sesko’s signature and here are five things you may not know about him.
Where does Sesko come from?
Sesko is a Slovenian international and was born in a small town called Radece in May 2003.
Radece would be where Sesko launched his football career at seven years old, in the youth team of the third tier Slovenian club.
Slovenia is a nation that have only qualified for four major tournaments in its history, the latest being at EURO 2024 when they were in the same group as England.
Who has Sesko played for?
After his youth career in Slovenia, Sesko moved to RB Salzburg in Austria in 2019 to kick start his senior career.
In his first two seasons at RB Salzburg, Sesko was loaned out to Austrian second tier club FC Liefering where he would score a goal every other game.
Sesko would return to play for RB Salzburg for another two season’s before joining RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga in 2023.
The 22-year-old has made his name at the Red Bull Arena, scoring 18 goals in all competitions in his first season and hitting 21 in his second.
| Apperances | 87 |
| Goals | 39 |
| Assists | 8 |
Now, he will embark on a new challenge in the Premier League with his new club x.
Who has Sesko played with?
At RB Leipzig, Sesko has played in the same side as Xavi Simons, whilst at RB Salzburg he competed for a place in the side with Leicester City striker Patson Daka.
Leeds midfielder Brendan Aaronson was also a team mate at RB Salzburg, a player he will be competing against in the Premier League this season.
At international level, Sesko has played in-front of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Leeds’ summer signing Jaka Bijol.
What has been the most notable moment in Sesko’s career so far?
One of the proudest moments in Sesko’s career would have been when he made his debut for Slovenia against North Macedonia in 2021.
Having just turned 18, Sesko became the youngest player to represent the nation in their history and later became their youngest goal scoring when he netted against Malta.
Sesko played a key role in ensuring Slovenia qualified for EURO 2024, as he scored five goals during the qualifying campaign.
In the Bundesliga he became the youngest player to score in seven consecutive matches during the 2023/24 season.
Who is Sesko’s idol?
Sesko told The Guardian in 2023 that he idolised former Man United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but watching Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland helped him “a lot.”
Those comments will get mixed reviews from the Man United fanbase.
Both players though are ruthless finishers and serial winners, something Sesko will hope to emulate as he begins his Premier League career.
Sesko does not compare his playing style to Ibrahimovic, but likes how he is always “enjoying himself on the pitch.”