Manchester United’s new signing Benjamin Sesko is reportedly earning significantly less than Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, despite his high-profile move to Old Trafford this summer.
According to a report by the UK Mirror, Sesko, 22, turned down a more lucrative contract offer from Newcastle United to secure a move to Manchester United. The Red Devils paid a potential £74 million to RB Leipzig for the Slovenian forward — an initial £66.4 million plus £7.6 million in performance-related add-ons — yet his wages remain below those of his Arsenal counterpart.
Contract Details: Sesko’s Deal at Old Trafford
Sesko has signed a five-year contract with Manchester United, which will see him earn around £160,000 per week — roughly £8.3 million a year before bonuses. While the salary is substantial, it is still considerably lower than that of Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal earlier this summer.
The Slovenian international, who scored 18 goals for RB Leipzig in all competitions last season, was one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. Newcastle reportedly offered a higher wage package to lure him to St. James’ Park, but Sesko opted for United’s long-term project and global stature.
Gyokeres’ Bigger Pay Packet at Arsenal
By contrast, 27-year-old Viktor Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in July for £64 million, is earning £200,000 per week — equivalent to £10.4 million a year before bonuses.
The Swedish striker had a stellar 2023/24 campaign in Portugal, scoring 43 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions. His prolific form convinced Arsenal to invest heavily in both transfer fee and wages to secure his signature.
The Gunners believe Gyokeres will be a crucial addition to their attacking line as they seek to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title and make a deep run in the Champions League.
Why Sesko Took the Lower Salary
Sesko’s decision to accept a lower salary has been linked to his belief in Erik ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United. The striker is understood to have been impressed by the club’s plans for him as a long-term focal point in attack and the opportunity to develop in one of the most competitive football environments in the world.
Despite the wage disparity with Gyokeres, Sesko’s camp is said to be confident that performance-related bonuses, image rights, and future contract renegotiations could significantly boost his earnings if he succeeds at Old Trafford.
Manchester United also reportedly offered a more appealing sporting project than Newcastle, promising Sesko a key role from the outset.
Head-to-Head on Opening Weekend
Football fans will not have to wait long to see the two high-profile summer signings in direct competition. Manchester United and Arsenal are set to face each other on Sunday in their opening Premier League match of the new season — a fixture that could provide an early glimpse of how both strikers will adapt to life in England’s top flight.
The match at the Emirates Stadium is already being billed as one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend, with both clubs eager to make a statement in the title race. Sesko and Gyokeres will be under the spotlight as supporters and pundits alike assess whether their clubs’ summer investments will deliver immediate results.
Transfer Market Context
The Premier League transfer market this summer has seen a series of blockbuster deals, with clubs willing to spend heavily on attacking talent. However, the Sesko-Gyokeres comparison highlights how salary packages can vary significantly even when transfer fees are relatively close.
Several factors influence a player’s wages, including age, experience, marketability, contract negotiations, and the financial structures of their respective clubs. At 22, Sesko is still considered a developing talent with his prime years ahead of him, whereas Gyokeres, at 27, is at the peak of his career and commands a higher immediate salary.
Manchester United’s Ambitions
For Manchester United, the signing of Sesko is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the squad and build a team capable of competing for major honours. Manager Erik ten Hag has been vocal about the need for a clinical finisher, and Sesko’s combination of pace, aerial ability, and finishing skills fits the profile.
The Slovenian is expected to form part of a dynamic front line alongside Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes. United fans are hopeful that his arrival will solve the team’s long-standing inconsistency in front of goal.
Arsenal’s Title Push
Arsenal, on the other hand, are entering the season with renewed confidence after pushing Manchester City close in last year’s title race. Mikel Arteta sees Gyokeres as the final piece of the puzzle — a striker capable of scoring prolifically while also linking play and pressing aggressively from the front.
With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already in the squad, Gyokeres’ arrival adds both quality and depth, giving Arsenal multiple attacking options as they balance domestic and European commitments.
Fan Reactions
News of the wage disparity between Sesko and Gyokeres has sparked discussion among fans. Some Manchester United supporters have praised Sesko for prioritising the sporting project over money, while others argue that his lower wage represents good business for the club given the transfer fee.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, have largely welcomed Gyokeres’ substantial salary, viewing it as a fair reflection of his proven track record and immediate impact potential.
Looking Ahead
As the new Premier League season kicks off, all eyes will be on how quickly Sesko and Gyokeres adapt to their new surroundings and whether they can justify their hefty transfer fees. Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester United offers the perfect stage for both strikers to make an early statement.
For Sesko, outperforming Gyokeres despite earning less would be a powerful narrative to kick off his United career. For Gyokeres, showing why Arsenal made him one of their highest earners would further cement his status as a marquee signing.
One thing is certain — their rivalry, both on and off the pitch, will be one of the intriguing storylines to follow in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
