Soccer Football - Bundesliga - RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - January 25, 2025 RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko reacts REUTERS/Annegret Hilse DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
Manchester United have made RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko their top target and have now opened concrete talks for his signing. After reports of United and Newcastle both vying for the player, it is United who are looking to advance quickly.
BBC has reported that United has made contact with Leipzig over Sesko, and that the Red Devils have now prioritized Sesko over their other main striker target Ollie Watkins. Aston Villa has held firm in their stance that Watkins is not for sale, and United are resigned to the fact that any deal for Watkins would require a substantial fee for an aging player with little to no resale value.
Sesko is seen as a more attainable and sensible purchase given his age. The 22-year-old Slovenian would have excellent sell on value and is available this summer following an gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig that will allow him to leave the club for around £70m.
United make Sesko their main target
Sesko scored 13 Bundesliga goals last season for Leipzig, and is highly rated across Europe for his physical stature and athletic ability.
He has been likened to fellow ex RB Salzburg striker Erling Haaland for his similar profile and playing style. Sesko is actually an inch taller than Haaland at 6’5.
Sesko was linked heavily to Arsenal for much of the summer, with the Gunners reportedly growing frustrated with Leipzig’s demands. Arsenal have now completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting.
Sesko would become United’s third marquee signing of the summer after forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively. With Cunha and Mbeumo expected to occupy the attacking midfield roles in Amorim’s system, Sesko will lead the line as United’s focal point No.9
United’s current striker options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkee struggled in front of goal last season, combing for just seven goals.
Further talks are expected to take place in the coming days between United and Leipzig, with Sesko understood to be keen to decide his next club soon.
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