Manchester United is reportedly aiming to secure RB Leipzig`s Benjamin Sesko as their primary striker target for the summer transfer window, potentially moving for him before offloading players deemed surplus to requirements.
Recent discussions between United and Leipzig regarding a deal for the 22-year-old suggest he is now the top candidate to bolster their attacking options. However, acquiring the young forward would entail a substantial cost for a club carefully managing its Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) headroom. While Arsenal, who previously considered Sesko before signing Viktor Gyokeres, were quoted over $100 million by Leipzig, sources indicate the Bundesliga side might now accept offers closer to $85 million.
This represents a significant investment for United, who have already committed a combined $177 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and are also seeking a central midfielder and a goalkeeper. Nevertheless, the Old Trafford leadership believes they can push forward with their pursuit of Sesko even before finalizing sales of players head coach Ruben Amorim intends to move on.
With Marcus Rashford now on loan at Barcelona, four players considered unwanted by United are Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia. All four were notably absent from the team`s recent pre-season tour of the United States. Garnacho has attracted interest from Chelsea, while Sancho, entering the final year of his contract, has been linked with Juventus. Successfully finding new clubs for this quartet could save United over half a million dollars weekly in wages alone, and Garnacho, in particular, could still command a considerable transfer fee.
Such funds would significantly aid United in their bid for Sesko, who, according to sources, is prioritizing a move to the Premier League and has rejected advances from Saudi Arabia. Although Newcastle United has also been associated with a potential transfer for the Slovenian international, Sesko reportedly prefers a switch to Old Trafford.
Despite boasting the fourth-highest annual revenue among football clubs in 2024, exceeding $880 million, United has faced pressure from the Premier League`s financial regulations. This squeeze is largely due to a series of unsuccessful transfers in recent years and the added financial constraints imposed by failing to qualify for European competitions.
Meanwhile, United`s current number nine, Rasmus Hojlund, scored a timely opening goal in their 4-1 friendly victory over Bournemouth at Chicago`s Soldier Field. However, following the match, Amorim offered no firm assurances regarding the Dane`s long-term future. “I`m genuinely pleased with Rasmus, but I cannot predict what will happen until the transfer window closes,” Amorim stated. “The crucial aspect is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He`s gelling very well with the team, and he`s showing improvement.” He reiterated, “Again, I don`t know what the market holds until it`s closed. We suffered immensely last season due to a lack of goals.”
Last season, Manchester United managed only 44 goals in 38 Premier League games, concluding the campaign in 15th place and suffering a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
