Benjamin Šeško’s €85m Move to Manchester United Hits Snag as Injury and Form Slump Cut Market Value to €60m

Key facts

• Manchester United paid a base €76.5 million for Šeško in August 2025, with up to €8.5 million in bonuses.
• Šeško’s reported market value has fallen to €60 million as of January 2026 due to limited playing time and performance issues.
• He was forced off at halftime in United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool on March 2026 with a shin problem.
• The transfer package includes a friendly between United and Leipzig, with all revenue going to Leipzig.
• Šeško scored United’s second goal against Liverpool before being substituted with an injury.
• United revamped their forward line in summer 2025, bringing in Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
• The win over Liverpool secured United’s Champions League qualification for next season.

A Promising Start Turns Sour

Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United in August 2025 was one of the summer’s most expensive transfers, with a total package expected to reach around €85 million. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker arrived from RB Leipzig with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising forwards. Yet by January 2026, his reported market value had plummeted to €60 million, according to market analysis, reflecting a difficult adaptation period at Old Trafford. Šeško’s troubles were compounded on March 2026 when he was forced off at halftime during United’s crucial 3-2 victory over Liverpool. He had scored the team’s second goal in the first half, but a recurring shin problem, aggravated by a push, ended his involvement. Manager Michael Carrick confirmed after the match that Šeško had been carrying the injury for some time.

The Anatomy of a Record Transfer

The deal that brought Šeško to Manchester United was structured with a base fee of €76.5 million, plus an additional €4 million in bonuses tied to appearances, goals, and Champions League qualification, which United secured with the win over the total package could rise to around €80.5 million by the end of the season, and over several years, it is not considered unlikely to reach €85 million. As part of the agreement, a friendly match between Manchester United and RB Leipzig must be played within the next few years, with Leipzig receiving all revenue from that fixture. This further sweetens the deal for the German club, which had initially demanded between €70 million and €100 million for their star striker, with various release clauses mentioned in the €65 million to €80 million range.

A New Forward Line, But Depth Concerns Linger

Šeško was part of a complete overhaul of Manchester United’s attacking options in the summer 2025 transfer window. Alongside him, the club brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Højlund all departed either permanently or on loan. The revamp was intended to inject fresh energy into a forward line that had underperformed. However, the injury to Šeško exposes a lingering lack of depth in United’s squad. Carrick acknowledged that forward depth remains a significant issue, much like the midfield shortages that have plagued the side. With United returning to the Champions League and expected to progress further in domestic competitions, the absence of a reliable backup could prove costly.

The Liverpool Victory: A Turning Point with a Cost

The 3-2 win over Liverpool was a dramatic affair that secured United’s place in next season’s Champions League. United took the lead within seven minutes through Cunha, who had missed the previous match against Brentford. Šeško doubled the advantage after Bruno Fernandes nodded the ball into his path, though the assist was not credited. Despite suspicions of handball, VAR allowed the goal due to insufficient evidence to overturn the decision. Liverpool responded with two quick goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, exposing defensive lapses. Kobbie Mainoo restored United’s lead with just over 10 minutes remaining, and the hosts held on under intense pressure. Šeško, who had limped off at halftime, watched from the bench as his teammates secured the win.

Injury Concerns and the Road Ahead

Šeško’s shin problem, which he had been managing for some time, was aggravated during the Liverpool match. Carrick revealed that the striker “got pushed and caught the bit that’s been causing him some problems.” With only three fixtures remaining in the season, Šeško’s absence would be a significant blow, even though United have already achieved their primary goal of Champions League qualification. The club will be monitoring his condition closely ahead of the next game against Sunderland. The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to a player whose market value has already dropped sharply since his arrival. Whether Šeško can rediscover his form and justify his hefty price tag remains an open question.

Market Value and Future Prospects

The sharp decline in Šeško’s reported market value — from the €85 million transfer fee to a current estimate of €60 million — underscores the volatility of football valuations. While the recent transfer fee provides a high ceiling, his limited playing time and inconsistent performances have logically decreased his immediate worth. Similar Players™ analysis by TransferFeed identifies Jonathan David as the closest match to Šeško in terms of transfer rumours and club connections. Rumoured destinations for a potential move have not yet surfaced, but the situation bears watching. If Šeško’s form does not improve, Manchester United may face a difficult decision: persist with their investment or cut losses. For now, the focus is on recovery and finishing the season strongly.

The bottom line

• Benjamin Šeško’s transfer to Manchester United cost up to €85 million, but his market value has dropped to €60 million due to poor form and limited minutes.
• A shin injury forced Šeško off at halftime in the crucial win over Liverpool, casting doubt on his availability for the season’s final three matches.
• The transfer deal includes a friendly between United and Leipzig, with all revenue going to the German club.
• United’s forward line was completely overhauled in summer 2025, but depth remains a concern, especially with Šeško injured.
• The win over Liverpool secured Champions League football for United, but the club must address squad depth to compete on multiple fronts.