Manchester United’s long-running chase for Benjamin Sesko finally ended this summer when the club paid £66m to RB Leipzig for the towering Slovenian striker.

After six years of tracking him, United beat Newcastle to his signature — and early signs suggest they may have secured a bargain.

CIES data shows Benjamin Sesko already worth more

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Sesko’s ‘fair value’ has surged to £106m, meaning United effectively underpaid by around £40m.

For a 22-year-old regarded as one of Europe’s most promising centre-forwards, the gap between the transfer fee and his calculated market value highlights the potential upside of the deal.

Leipzig themselves issued a warning to the Premier League upon his departure, insisting Sesko has the potential to become one of the world’s best. If his development continues at the expected rate, £66m could soon look like a bargain.

Positive early signs at Old Trafford

Although Sesko did not enjoy a full pre-season with Erik ten Hag’s squad, his underlying numbers are already encouraging.

FotMob data shows he is creating 1.13 chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League, ranking him in the 83rd percentile among strikers.

He is also averaging 2.81 shots per game, nearly double the output Rasmus Hojlund managed last season (1.43). Aerially, Sesko’s 6ft 5in frame and explosive leap are proving effective, with 3.94 aerial duels won per 90 — placing him in the 78th percentile.

The goals will follow

For now, Sesko is still adjusting to life at United, but his blend of physical dominance, creativity and shot volume points to an inevitable breakthrough. Once he sharpens his finishing, the goals should start to flow.

With United crying out for a reliable No. 9 to lead their attack, Sesko’s trajectory suggests they may have finally found their man — and for a price that could look like a steal within a season or two.