Sesko looks more attractive than ever for Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• 28 Oct 2022 14:08 BST
• 4 min read

Rumours linking Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko with a move to Manchester United have never really gone away since the summer.

This is remarkable given that Sesko has agreed a deal to take him to the Austrians’ sister club RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga for around €20 million.

Nevertheless, the 19-year-old Slovakia international remains a player who could yet move to Old Trafford without kicking a ball for his new team.

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When rumours first emerged in the summer that a deal was a possibility, it was seen as something of a novelty. A highly rated young player emerging from the same club as Erling Haaland was an easy sell, despite a modest return of 11 goals in 38 top-team appearances.

Since then, Sesko has gradually built his reputation, playing Champions League football for the first time, scoring a handful more goals for his club but also notching three times in a row at international level.

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Sesko: A bidding war in prospect

FootballTransfers, who reported exclusively in the summer that Man Utd have been watching Sesko for months, values the teenager at €12 million. With a bidding war seemingly stepping up between the Red Devils and Chelsea, he could move for substantially more. Indeed, his asking price in the summer was €65m.

Certainly, the attacker looks a more attractive gamble for Manchester United now than he did in the summer. In part this is due to his own exploits, but it also down to the situation that the Red Devils find themselves.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s position at the club is clear. He will leave if there is a suitable offer, with the Portugal superstar deeply unhappy at the peripheral role he has been given. Approaching 38 years old, that is not about to change.

Elsewhere, Anthony Martial may be back in form and enjoying life under Ten Hag, but he is unable to stay fit.

Where are the other options at centre forward behind Marcus Rashford?

Sesko, therefore, looks increasingly attractive to Man Utd. He is a young player who would accept a backup role to begin with, but who has the potential to grow into a permanent fixture for years to come if he takes his chance. Now the board must decide if it’s a bet worth taking.