Man Utd took the first serious step towards signing Benjamin Sesko one year ago, immediate conversations took place

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Manchester United are set to seal the deal for Benjamin Sesko, bringing a conclusion to a dramatic transfer saga.

Benjamin Sesko is expected to join Manchester United, with the Red Devils negotiating with RB Leipzig to agree a fee.

Sesko has made clear Manchester United are his preference over Newcastle, with the club hoping to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.

United could introduce Sesko at Old Trafford this coming weekend ahead of the club’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.

Christopher Vivell hire absolutely key to Benjamin Sesko deal

Player recruitment expert Christopher Vivell joined Manchester United in 2024 to lend expertise during the summer window.

He impressed the club so much that he has taken on a permanent role, in the wake of Dan Ashworth’s sudden exit.

Vivell signed Sesko for Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, and three years ago he played a part in his switch to their sister club RB Leipzig.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey tells United In Focus that the club are delighted with how the recruitment of Benjamin Sesko has played out, amid the new power dynamic behind the scenes.

He said: “There has been joined up thinking throughout. Christopher Vivell explained that he thought he was perfect fit for the system and that won over Ruben Amorim and once that was the case, Jason Wilcox was happy to go with it.”

Manchester United immediately asked Vivell about Benjamin Sesko

United In Focus reported back in December 2024 how Christopher Vivell’s prominent role at Manchester United had placed Benjamin Sesko high on the agenda for the coming summer.

Graeme Bailey explained at the time: “In terms of Sesko – I am told that he has not gone in at Old Trafford and said, ‘you have to sign Sesko’ – hands down. But when he came in, they asked him about certain players, and Sesko was one.

“He was able to give them a more detailed analysis of him as a person as well as a player, and just why he values him.

“We are told United’s own assessment of Sesko was not too dissimilar, they already considered him as one of the best young forwards in the world – right in the same category as Gyokeres or Isak.”

Manchester United had tracked Benjamin Sesko for years, losing out on him in 2022 when he made the switch to RB Leipzig.

Bailey added at the time: “Sesko is someone towards the very top of United’s list wishlist for 2025 and that has only been backed up by Vivell and his understanding of the player, but it is not just him or nothing, he is one of a number of options.

“But with Vivell on board and the fact Sesko and his team know him well, am told from German sources, that it should not be underestimated the esteem he is held in.”

Manchester United are now set to make good on the background work done on Sesko, bringing him in to lead the line, and hopefully make good on his incredibly high potential.