Manchester United are intensifying their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s star striker Benjamin Šeško to bolster their attacking line-up ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Not surprisingly, with the club scoring almost no goals, manager Rúben Amorim has identified the striker position as a key area that needs to be strengthened this summer, and the 22-year-old Slovenian international is high on his wish list. With recent transfer developments and the club’s strategic realignment, United are poised to pull off a significant coup in the coming weeks.
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Long-term interest – now the deal can become a reality
Sources state that United have maintained regular contact with Šeško’s representatives, a relationship that has been nurtured since their initial interest in the striker in 2022, when he played for RB Salzburg.
Although Šeško turned down a move to Old Trafford at the time, his agent’s repeated visits to United’s Carrington and Old Trafford training grounds in recent years have shown that a deal has always been a possibility.
Šeško, a 1.95m tall striker nicknamed “The Beast” due to his impressive physique and goalscoring ability, has impressed with 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
Attacking problems force United into action
United’s search for a new striker comes after they missed out on Liam Delap, who opted for a £30 million move to Chelsea earlier this summer. With only 44 Premier League goals in 38 games last season, the need for a reliable goalscorer to bolster Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system has become apparent.
Current attackers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have faced challenges, leading United to consider high-profile options such as Šeško, who Leipzig value at £67.3 million.
Player sales needed to fund the transfer
To finance such a coup, United will need to sell more players, including Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Rashford could potentially generate £40 million, but clubs are reluctant to pay that much, while Garnacho’s possible departure is also being considered to free up funds.
These sales are crucial, as United’s absence from the Champions League next season has limited their financial leeway after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Competition for Šeško – but United have hope
Šeško’s interest in a Premier League transfer, despite United’s lack of European Cup appearances, has given the club new hope. His representatives are open to a move to Old Trafford, and see it as an opportunity to become part of a club with a great history and ambitious rebuilding plans under Amorim and sporting director Christopher Vivell.
However, the competition is fierce, with several big clubs, including Newcastle and Liverpool, keeping a close eye on the Slovenian.
Sideline rivals
Recent reports suggest that Šeško has been offered to Liverpool, after Arsenal opted to go for Viktor Gyökeres instead. Newcastle have also cooled their interest in Hugo Ekitiké (who is in talks with Liverpool) and are considering Šeško as an option.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are considering both Ekitiké and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but a deal for the latter would be very difficult.
Sources also revealed to TEAMtalk on July 12 that Saudi and Italian clubs have shown interest in Šeško. But Saudi offers are likely to be rejected, as Šeško prefers to stay in Europe, while Italian clubs will struggle to finance such a big deal.
Key player for United’s future?
As the transfer window progresses, United’s ability to secure Šeško will depend on their success in streamlining the squad and raising the necessary funds. With Vivell’s personal support for the signing after scouting Šeško in Leipzig’s 3-2 win over Wolfsburg in April, United are determined to make a statement.
If Jim Ratcliffe and his team can navigate through the financial constraints and outmanoeuvre the competition, Šeško could become the cornerstone of United’s attack – ushering in a new era at Old Trafford with the new striker Amorim has been calling for.
Other United news: Emi Martinez and Sancho
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on United’s interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
One player who could leave United before Garnacho and Rashford is Jadon Sancho. The former Borussia Dortmund star is in advanced talks about a surprisingly cheap transfer to a new club.
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