The most expensive striker in club history! Šeško has arrived, completing the reorganization of Manchester United's new trident.

Written by: Han Bing The 22-year-old Slovenian striker Šeško is the most anticipated new signing for Manchester United fans this summer. Although Manchester United needs reinforcements across all three lines, the most urgent need is for a striker. Ultimately, Sir Ratcliffe did not disappoint the fans; the Red Devils paid over €90 million to successfully defeat a Newcastle side that was once in the lead, bringing Šeško to the Theatre of Dreams.

On August 7, renowned transfer expert Romano and major British media confirmed that RB Leipzig and Manchester United had reached an agreement. That evening, Šeško arrived in the UK with his agent Bašanović. On August 8, he underwent a comprehensive medical examination, and Manchester United planned to hold a presentation ceremony for him at Old Trafford on Saturday (August 9). Šeško's arrival signifies the completion of the new trident for the Red Devils in the Amourin era.

To "secure" Šeško, Manchester United made a decisive bid against Newcastle on Wednesday. At the last moment, they raised their offer again—the fixed transfer fee of €76.5 million was €3.5 million less than the Magpies' bid, but they agreed to cover the €3.5 million "solidarity mechanism tax" for RB Leipzig and consented to a friendly match next summer, which could bring in an additional €1.5 million to €2 million. Including the easily achievable €8.5 million in performance-related clauses, RB Leipzig's maximum earnings could exceed €90 million, even without considering the second transfer share.

To facilitate Šeško's transfer, Manchester United paid a higher price, and Šeško's team made concessions as well. Šeško's weekly wage offer was reduced from £200,000 to £160,000. Compared to Newcastle's £250,000 offer, choosing Manchester United means Šeško will earn £4.7 million less annually. Meanwhile, agent Bašanović also lowered his commission fee. Šeško's weekly wage ranks only 8th in the team, less than half of Casemiro's (£350,000), lower than Bruno Fernandes (£300,000) and Mount (£250,000), and even less than defenders De Ligt (£195,000) and Maguire (£190,000). United's summer signing Cunha (£180,000) also earns more than Šeško, while Mbeumo (£150,000) earns less.

However, if Manchester United qualifies for the Champions League next season, Šeško's weekly wage will rise to £190,000, more than double what he earned during his time at RB Leipzig (£86,000).

In this way, Šeško will surpass Lukaku's transfer fee of £84.7 million from eight years ago, becoming the most expensive striker in Manchester United's history. In the entire Premier League, he ranks fourth in transfer fees for strikers, only behind Ékitike (£95 million), Havertz (£100 million, 2020), and Lukaku (£113 million, 2023). However, some media and fans are concerned whether Šeško will become the second Højlund.

Two years ago, Manchester United brought in Danish striker Højlund for a staggering £75 million plus £10 million, but he only made 95 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals and providing 6 assists. After two seasons, only £2.5 million of the performance-related clauses were activated. Along with bringing in Šeško, Manchester United has also reached an agreement with Milan to sell Højlund at a "loss," first on loan for £5 million this summer, then for £40 million next summer; the deal is just waiting for the player's approval.

Compared to Højlund, Šeško scored 21 goals and provided 6 assists in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, averaging 0.6 goal contributions per game. Although his efficiency is not particularly high, he is a big-game player, having scored against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus in both the Bundesliga and Champions League. Standing at 1.94 meters, he is almost a clone of Haaland, capable of creating opportunities for teammates as a focal point and providing support for various passes.

Šeško is tall but not clumsy; last season he recorded a top speed of 35.69 km/h, ranking among the best in the Bundesliga. This also allows him to play an important role in counterattacks, as 5 of his goals last season came from counterattacks, helping RB Leipzig become the team with the most counterattack goals in the Bundesliga (17 goals). For the Red Devils, who are at a disadvantage in midfield, capitalizing on counterattack opportunities will be key to rebounding in the new season. Additionally, Šeško's goal tally in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons (27 goals) exceeded expectations (17.7 goals), proving that his form is on the rise.

Given that Šeško will have the support of proven Premier League players like Mbeumo and Cunha, he will receive more assistance from the flanks, helping him integrate into Manchester United and prove himself more quickly.