What Benjamin Sesko said about failed Manchester United transfer | Football

Manchester United appear to be making significant progress in their transfer pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international was heavily linked with Arsenal earlier in the transfer window but now looks destined to end up at Old Trafford having become the latest centre forward to snub Newcastle United.

The Red Devils are in the midst of a rebuild after their worst top-flight campaign in 51 years was compounded by defeat to Tottenham in their all-or-nothing Europa League final.

United’s misfiring frontline was a major issue and the club are looking to sign a central striker, having brought in forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for what could end up being a combined £133.5million.

Ruben Amorim could well end up investing another significant sum on Sesko with Leipzig understood to want €75m guaranteed plus add-ons and percentage of a future sale.

United had the chance to sign the 22-year-old considerably less three years ago but Sesko was too far down the line agreeing a deal to remain at RB Salzburg for one more season before completing a €24m move to their sister club.

‘The thing is I was not really into that kind of conversation,’ he told the Telegraph when asked about United making a late move. ‘But I think it was better just to come here.’

Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko

It was quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They’ve been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he was still one of their best and most consistent players.

Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.

His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he’s not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better.

But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner.

Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews

Sesko’s possible arrival has raised fresh questions about the future of Rasmus Hojlund who has scored just 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances.

The 22-year-old has rarely justified the fee paid to Atalanta in 2023 and he has been linked with a summer exit, but the Denmark international wants to stay at Old Trafford.

Asked what United have told him about their plans for him this season, Hojlund told reporters in Chicago: ‘Nothing so far.

‘I think the most important (thing) for me is to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens.

‘I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens.’

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