“His standout quality” – Manchester United could be on the verge of securing a striker reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimović.

As Manchester United seek to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, attention has turned toward a potential marquee signing: Benjamin Šeško, the Slovenian sensation whose rise has drawn comparisons to one of Old Trafford’s most iconic figures—Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Šeško’s story begins in the humble town of Radeče, Slovenia. Nestled along the Sava River and better known for its peaceful landscape than for footballing glory, Radeče is now on the map thanks to its most promising export. With a population under 2,000, few could have predicted it would produce a striker now being eyed by one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

From his early days, Šeško stood out. According to Jernej Čeh, his first coach at NK Radeče, the young forward’s dedication was unwavering. “He would turn up to train even on days off, joining older boys, shooting endlessly. He was obsessed with getting better,” Čeh shared in an interview with 24ur.

His progression through Slovenian youth teams—from NK Radeče to Krško and then NK Domžale—was rapid. By age 16, Šeško had moved to Austria’s RB Salzburg, an academy known for developing elite talent. It was here that United scouts took notice, though the club reportedly hesitated to meet the €2 million fee at the time.

In 2022, the striker joined RB Leipzig, another club under the Red Bull umbrella, and quickly adapted to the Bundesliga’s demands. Despite strong interest from Manchester United last season, Šeško remained loyal to Leipzig—especially after United chose to sign Joshua Zirkzee instead. That decision may soon be reversed.

Now 21, Šeško has blossomed into a physically dominant yet technically refined striker. Standing tall and powerful, his combination of pace, agility, and strength makes him an ideal fit for the Premier League. His style has led to inevitable comparisons with Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Šeško himself has acknowledged the Swede’s influence.

“When I was young, I admired Ibrahimović the most,” Šeško told CBS Sports. “I loved his confidence, his strength, and the way he carried himself. I tried to copy his moves and learn from his style. He’s not exactly like me, but I see a lot I can emulate.”

Interestingly, Šeško was just 13 when Ibrahimović signed for United. Watching his idol shine at Old Trafford left a lasting impression. That inspiration continues to shape the Slovenian striker’s ambitions and approach on the field.

Although not yet the finished article, Šeško’s growth trajectory is impressive. His coaches and former mentors describe him as a natural leader with mental resilience—a quality that could be vital if he’s to succeed under the intense spotlight at Manchester United.

For Manchester United, the signing of Šeško would mark a strategic investment. It’s not only about adding firepower to the squad but also about recruiting a player with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and long-term potential. United’s interest reportedly remains serious, and fans could soon see another Zlatan-esque figure donning the famous red shirt.

Should this transfer materialize, it would represent a full-circle moment for a player who once watched Ibrahimović light up Old Trafford—and now has a chance to follow in his footsteps.