Manchester United find themselves embroiled in a transfer merry-go-round as we enter the final weeks of the summer window
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United have one main goal in the remainder of the summer transfer window and that is to sign a centre-forward who can lead the line this season.
If we go all the way back to the beginning of June, that was clearly the goal for Ruben Amorim and Ineos with Liam Delap seen as their top target. However, when the Ipswich Town man signed for Chelsea, the Reds needed to pivot and they did so in favour of Bryan Mbeumo.
At that point, the Reds probably did not anticipate the negotiations for Mbeumo to last as long as they did. They were aware that the 25-year-old was a fan of the club and was open to leaving but Brentford's hardline negotiating stance caused issues for United.
The deal was only completed on the eve of the pre-season tour which has pushed back United's plans. Despite the delayed nature of the Mbeumo signing, United have not made as much headway as they would have liked on player sales either.
Only Marcus Rashford has left for the season on loan and the Reds' biggest remaining asset Alejandro Garnacho appears to be no closer to leaving permanently. All of this is an issue when United know they need to sell in order to sign, at least completing exits prior to the window closing on September 1.
This has not stopped United targeting a striker, though, with Benjamin Sesko seen as their current priority. The RB Leipzig man is in-demand this window having first been looked at by Arsenal and now being in the middle of a transfer war between United and Newcastle.
If the Reds were to sign Sesko, it appears that could completely scupper Alexander Isak's dream to sign for Liverpool. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the Magpies will only be willing to sell the Swede should Sesko arrive to replace him.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig applauds the fans after defeating VfL Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig at the Volkswagen Arena on April 11, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany
Benjamin Sesko following RB Leipzig's clash against VfL Wolfsburg
(Image: Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Having lost Callum Wilson earlier this summer, Newcastle are concerned they will be left short up front if Isak follows him out of the door. It stands to reason that United would ruin Isak's dream move if they were to bring Sesko to Old Trafford and they could also weaken Newcastle considerably in the process.
Ultimately, the Magpies could find themselves in a position where they have not brought in Sesko and have a key player itching for a move away from the club. Nine times out of ten, when a player decides he no longer wants to play for his club, there is little that team can do to keep hold of them.
Right now, United could be on the verge of seriously hindering Newcastle and scuppering Liverpool's masterplan.
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