Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are two of the biggest transfers of the summer but one is earning more than the other after their respective moves to Manchester United and Arsenal
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 10, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Benjamin Sesko prioritised prestige over pay(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko is reportedly earning less than fellow Premier League newcomer Viktor Gyokeres, having turned down a more lucrative offer elsewhere to sign for Manchester United.
Newcastle United had shown interest in the Slovenian international and even proposed a higher wage package, but Sesko chose to be part of Ruben Amorim's project at Old Trafford instead. He signed a five-year contract with United after RB Leipzig accepted a bid of £66.4million plus £7.6m in add-ons.
The Sun reports that the 22-year-old will earn approximately £160,000 per week, equating to just over £8.3m annually. This places Sesko as the eighth highest earner at the club, with Casemiro topping the list on a staggering £350,000 weekly wage, or £18.2m per year, according to Spotrac.
Earlier this week, Sky Sport Germany suggested that the young striker had actually accepted a lower salary to work under Amorin in Manchester rather than Howe in the north east. In contrast, Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in July in a deal worth £64m.
The Swedish striker, who previously worked under Amorim in Portugal, attracted interest from numerous European clubs before signing a five-year contract in north London. Spotrac reports that the 27-year-old will become Arsenal's fifth-highest earner, pulling in a substantial £200,000 per week or £10.4m annually.
Only Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz earn more in north London. This means that Sesko is earning £40,000 less than his fellow newcomer for the time being, but his potential success with the Red Devils may change this salary in just a matter of months.
New Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko applauds the fans prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Sesko has signed a five-year deal with the Red Devils
If United secure Champions League qualification this season, the Slovenian's salary will reportedly rise to £200,000 per week, matching Gyokeres' earnings after just one campaign. Sesko is vowing to contribute goals and assists to United's tally this season, at a time when fans are hungry for some clinical finishing at the club.
The Red Devils experienced a significant dip in their goal-scoring last campaign, finding the net just 44 times compared to the 73 they scored when they finished second in the 2021/22 season. With Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo already at Old Trafford, Sesko is set to be part of a revamped attacking line aiming to reverse United's recent misfortunes.
During his short stint with Leipzig, the young striker scored 39 goals and provided eight assists across 87 appearances in all competitions. Reflecting on his move, Sesko said: "The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future.
Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2025 in London, England.
Gyokeres is currently earning £40,000 more per week than Sesko(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon. From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created.
"It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions. I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."
Speaking to MUTV about his latest acquisition, boss Amorim added: "He has the characteristics that we needed. Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working - it is not the opposite! That is also important. He is the right character in this group so we are really, really happy to have him."
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 10, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Sesko is ready to be the shining light for United
Meanwhile, Gyokeres is also poised to provide the goals that have been noticeably absent at Arsenal recently. Whilst the Gunners ranked third for goals scored last season, they still netted 22 fewer than in their 2023/24 campaign.
That fall off might well have been the crucial element in converting their 14 draws from last season into victories and mounting a genuine title challenge against eventual champions Liverpool. Gyokeres appears suited for this role, having netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances whilst helping guide Sporting to two league titles during his stint at the club.