Manchester United want Sasa Kalajdzic

Karan Tejwani

• 1 Aug 2022 15:27 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are considering a move for Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the start of the season.

New manager Erik ten Hag was keen to improve his attacking line having lacked depth in forwards, with Cristiano Ronaldo also wishing to leave the club soon.

United would only have Anthony Martial as a senior out-and-out centre forward option should Ronaldo leave, and that would leave them in need of reinforcements.

Another option they have considered is Red Bull Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko, although the high asking price for the forward may force United to look elsewhere.

It’s believed that Kalajdzic will cost around £17 million from Stuttgart, a fee United consider to be reasonable for the 25-year-old.

Kalajdzic has impressed in his time in the Bundesliga and has been a subject of interest to some of the league’s Champions League clubs including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund when they were searching for a forward.

The forward, who stands at 6’ 4” tall, would be a great aerial threat for any side that signs him, and that was one of the reasons for the interest in him.

Kalajdzic has been at Stuttgart since 2019, having signed from Austrian side Admira Wacker, helping the club earn promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020, and has been a star for them since playing in the German top flight.

He scored 17 goals in 36 appearances in his first season in the Bundesliga, and then followed that up with six in 16 matches, helping Stuttgart to retain their top-flight status.

He is also a full Austrian international since 2020, making 15 appearances for them in that time and scoring four goals in the process.

Manchester United may have to move fast for him if they are to secure a forward as interest in Kalajdzic is high, and it may not be that simple as the window approaches its end.