Benjamin Šeško’s Potential Manchester United Squad Number as Transfer Agreement Reached

Manchester United appear on the verge of confirming the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, following reports that the German club have reached an agreement with the Reds.

Multiple sources, including David Ornstein of The Athletic, report that United have secured an agreement in principle with Leipzig for the Slovenian forward. The deal is expected to be worth approximately £66.4 million, with a further £7.4 million in performance-related add-ons.

Securing Šeško would be considered a significant coup for United, especially as Newcastle United were also strongly linked with the striker and could offer UEFA Champions League football this season. For United, Šeško's arrival would complete their attacking reinforcements for the summer, having already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Šeško is now anticipated to travel to England shortly to undergo a medical before officially completing his move to Old Trafford, ahead of the new Premier League season commencing on Sunday, 17th August, when Arsenal visit Manchester.

With the transfer nearly complete, attention now turns to which squad number Šeško will wear under manager Rúben Amorim.

His preferred number, 30, is already taken—allocated earlier this summer to fellow new signing Diego León. At his first club, FC Liefering, Šeško wore the No.21 shirt, which is currently held by Antony. However, the Brazilian winger has informed the club of his intention to leave this summer, potentially freeing up the number.

A similar situation previously occurred when Marcus Rashford requested to leave and subsequently lost his shirt number. It is therefore not beyond the realm of possibility that the same outcome could befall Antony.

Šeško has predominantly worn the No.11 jersey for Slovenia, though that number is currently occupied by Joshua Zirkzee, who is understood to be committed to staying at the club. As such, a change there appears unlikely.

The iconic No.9 shirt—currently worn by Rasmus Højlund—could also become available. MEN Sport understands that the Danish striker may consider his options if Šeško becomes first choice under Amorim.

Among the lowest available shirt numbers is No.14, vacated by Christian Eriksen following his departure at the end of last season. The last striker to wear that number was Mexican fan favourite Chicharito.

Other possible options for Šeško include No.20 (previously worn by Diogo Dalot before his upgrade), as well as 27, 28, 29, 31, and numbers ranging from 34 to 36 and 38 to 40.