Manchester United might pursue Benjamin Sesko without first offloading unwanted players, as the RB Leipzig forward is reportedly their primary attacking target for the summer transfer window.
United has recently engaged in discussions with Leipzig for Sesko, 22, who is now considered their leading option to bolster the attack. Acquiring him would be costly, requiring careful financial management due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Sources indicate that Leipzig previously quoted over $100 million to Arsenal, but they might now accept around $85 million.
This substantial fee comes after United has already committed $177 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, with further targets including a central midfielder and a goalkeeper. Despite this, the Old Trafford management reportedly feels they can advance on Sesko`s transfer before securing exits for players deemed surplus by manager Ruben Amorim.
Following Marcus Rashford`s loan move to Barcelona, United aims to offload four more players: Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, all of whom did not join the preseason tour to the US. Chelsea reportedly eyes Garnacho, while Sancho, in his contract`s final year, is linked with Juventus. Moving these four could save over half a million dollars weekly in wages, with Garnacho potentially fetching a considerable transfer fee.
These sales would significantly aid United in funding a move for Sesko, who, according to sources, prefers the Premier League and has rejected Saudi Arabian offers. While Newcastle United has shown interest, Sesko reportedly favors a transfer to Old Trafford.
Despite generating over $880 million in revenue in 2024 (the fourth highest globally), United faces challenges with the Premier League`s profit and sustainability rules, a consequence of past transfer missteps. Their failure to qualify for European competitions further tightened Amorim`s budget.
In a friendly match, United`s current number nine, Rasmus Hojlund, scored an opener in their 4-1 victory against Bournemouth at Soldier Field, Chicago. Post-match, manager Amorim did not guarantee Hojlund`s long-term future, stating:
“I`m really happy with Rasmus, but I don`t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He`s connecting really well with the team. He`s improving. Again, I don`t know what is going to happen until the market is closed. We suffered a lot because of the lack of goals last season.”
Last season, Manchester United scored 44 goals in 38 Premier League games, concluding the season in 15th place and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
