Gunners
Everything You Need to Know About Benjamin Šeško
Benjamin Šeško, a name that’s been making waves in European football, is one of the most exciting young strikers in the game today. At just 22 years old, the Slovenian forward has already carved out an impressive career path, drawing comparisons to some of the best in the sport. From his early days in Slovenia to his current role at RB Leipzig and his rising stock in the transfer market, here’s a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about the man that looks set to sign for Manchester United.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born on May 31, 2003, in Radeče, Slovenia, Benjamin Šeško showed an aptitude for football from a young age. He began his career at his hometown club, NK Radeče, where his talent quickly became evident. As a youth player, Šeško was prolific, scoring an astonishing 59 goals in 23 matches for Radeče’s under-15 team during the 2017–18 season. His early promise led him to stints at Rudar Trbovlje and NK Krško before he joined Domžale in 2018, a club known for nurturing young Slovenian talent.
At 16, Šeško’s potential caught the eye of Red Bull Salzburg, one of Europe’s premier clubs for developing young players. In 2019, he signed with the Austrian giants, marking the beginning of his ascent in professional football.
Club Career: From Salzburg to Leipzig
Šeško’s journey with Red Bull Salzburg began with a loan to their reserve team, FC Liefering, in the Austrian Second League. During his two seasons there (2019–2021), he showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting 22 goals in 44 matches. His standout performance came in the 2020–21 season, where he scored 13 goals in the final seven rounds alone, proving his ability to dominate at the youth and reserve levels.
In January 2021, Šeško made his senior debut for Salzburg in a 3–0 Austrian Bundesliga win over TSV Hartberg, coming off the bench for Patson Daka. Over the next two seasons, he contributed to Salzburg’s dominance in Austrian football, winning three Austrian Bundesliga titles and one Austrian Cup. His time at Salzburg also included appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, giving him valuable experience on Europe’s biggest stages.
In 2023, Šeško made a significant move to RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga, signing a contract until June 30, 2029, with a reported transfer fee of around €24 million. Since joining Leipzig, he has established himself as one of the top young strikers in Europe, scoring 27 Bundesliga goals in two seasons—a tally that outshines many of his peers, including Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund, who scored 14 Premier League goals in the same period. Šeško’s 39 goals in 87 games across all competitions make him the top scorer under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.
Playing Style: The Next Haaland?
Standing at 1.95 meters (6’4”), Šeško is a physically imposing striker with a rare combination of size, speed, and technical ability. Often compared to Erling Haaland—another Salzburg alumnus—Šeško shares similar traits: strength, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing. However, his game has evolved into that of an all-rounder. In the 2024–25 season, only 9.7% of his touches came in the opposition’s penalty box, down from 17% the previous season, indicating his growing involvement in build-up play on the wings and in midfield.
Across Europe’s top five leagues last season, there was just one striker to score double figures, win the majority of his aerial duels and complete the majority of his take-ons.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 6, 2025
His name is Benjamin Šeško. 🇸🇮 pic.twitter.com/WUYFDAjjFD
Šeško’s speed is remarkable for his size, clocking a top speed of 35.7 km/h, making him one of the fastest strikers in the Bundesliga. His aerial success rate is unmatched among strikers with at least 60 aerial duels, and he’s lethal from long range, with 36.8% of his shots and 23.1% of his goals coming from outside the box—both figures leading the Bundesliga for strikers with 12 or more goals last season. His strengths include aerial duels, headed attempts, dribbling, and an ability to play short passes, though his defensive contribution remains a weaker aspect of his game.
International Career
Šeško’s impact on the international stage is equally impressive. He represented Slovenia at various youth levels (U15, U16, U17, and U19) before making his senior debut in June 2021 against North Macedonia at just 18 years and 1 day old, becoming Slovenia’s youngest-ever international player. In October 2021, he scored his first senior international goal against Malta, cementing his status as Slovenia’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 18 years, 4 months, and 8 days.
Since then, Šeško has been a key figure for Slovenia, contributing to their campaigns in UEFA competitions, including Euro 2024, where he was involved in a notable moment, missing a chance following a defensive error by Portugal’s Pepe.
Transfer Speculation: The Hottest Prospect in Europe
Šeško is at the centre of a high-profile transfer saga. Both Manchester United and Newcastle United have made significant bids for the striker, with Manchester United offering a package potentially rising to €85 million (£73.8 million) and Newcastle tabling around €80 million (£69.5 million). Reports suggest Šeško is keen on a move to Manchester United, where he could become a regular starter, potentially replacing Rasmus Højlund, who the club is willing to let go. Arsenal were also heavily linked with Šeško earlier in the summer but shifted their focus to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres.
The decision is not straightforward. Manchester United offer the allure of one of the world’s biggest clubs but face challenges, including no European football this season and a 15th-place finish in the 2024–25 Premier League season. Newcastle, on the other hand, provide Champions League football and a dynamic attacking setup with players like Alexander Isak (if he stays) and wingers Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who ranked among the Premier League’s top assisters last season. Staying at Leipzig, where Šeško is contracted until 2029, remains a viable option, especially given his success in the Bundesliga and consistent Champions League exposure.
Benjamin Šeško put up some serious numbers last season 👏⚽️
— LiveScore (@livescore) August 5, 2025
Could we see him putting up similar in the Premier League very soon? 👀🏴 pic.twitter.com/kYHilZMPLm
Strengths and Weaknesses
Šeško’s strengths are well-documented: his physicality, speed, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to score from distance and win aerial duels sets him apart, while his growing versatility in linking play adds depth to his role. However, his defensive contribution is limited, and he’s been noted to avoid diving into tackles. Additionally, his relative lack of touches in the opposition box compared to traditional strikers suggests he’s still refining his positioning as a pure goal-poacher.
What’s Next for Šeško?
As the 2025–26 season approaches, Šeško faces a pivotal decision. A move to the Premier League could catapult him to global stardom, but staying at Leipzig offers stability and continued development in a system tailored to his strengths. Whether he joins Manchester United, Newcastle, or remains in Germany, one thing is certain: Šeško’s blend of physicality, skill, and goal-scoring instinct makes him a player to watch for years to come.
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