Manchester United have made a conscious effort to structure smarter deals this summer.
With financial constraints and multiple positions in need of reinforcement, the club have focused on targeted signings, structured fees, and strategic negotiations to avoid bidding wars or inflated prices.
That approach was central in the pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, who quickly emerged as a top priority after failing to sign Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.
United identified the 22-year-old as a key attacking upgrade and swiftly agreed personal terms once the Slovenian made it clear he only wanted a move to Old Trafford.
Newcastle had offered around £75m, including bonuses, but withdrew after Sesko’s preference became clear.
This allowed United to reach a deal with Leipzig without competition.
It became known that United matched the accepted Newcastle bid and have now agreed a total fee of €76.5m plus €8.5m in add-ons.
Sesko is now expected to complete his medical and become Ruben Amorim’s third major signing of the summer.
However, that deal has now come with what some may well see as quite an unusual agreement.
According to Philipp Hinze on X, as part of the deal, United and RB Leipzig have also agreed to play a joint friendly match in Leipzig.
The friendly is expected to generate an additional €1.5m to €2m for the Bundesliga side.
Leipzig have also secured a sell-on clause on any future transfer surplus, which could provide further income down the line.
The bonuses involved in the €85m (£75m) package are described as easily achievable, with no unrealistic conditions meaning the full amount likely to be paid.
When factoring in the friendly and the sell-on clause, the full value of the transfer could climb to around €90m (£80m) – making it one of the most lucrative deals in Leipzig’s history.
🔴 RB Leipzig and Manchester United have additionally agreed on a joint friendly match in Leipzig as part of the Sesko transfer. The friendly will generate around €1.5m to €2m for Leipzig. They have also secured a sell-on clause on any future transfer surplus.
The agreed €85m… pic.twitter.com/HpF8xt9tq9
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) August 7, 2025
