Manchester United are yet to submit a bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid reports they could sign him this summer with Rasmus Hojlund moving in the opposite direction
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United may have made the first move in the race to sign 22-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko, but Manchester United could reportedly use the selling club's desire for Rasmus Hojlund as a makeweight in a potential deal.
United's summer transfer window has been all about improving their attack, after a miserable season in front of goal. Rising star Sesko from RB Leipzig fits the bill, but the Magpies have stolen a march on Ruben Amorim's side, submitting a bid of around £78 million.
The Reds are yet to follow up their interest with a bid, with journalist Fabrizio Romano saying that they will advance their plans if they can get a firm answer from Sesko that he would like to join the club. It has been reported that Leipzig are interested in taking on Hojlund on loan if there is a deal to be done at Old Trafford, which could grease the wheels if United commit to the transfer.
Hojlund himself is set on staying at Manchester United however, and he has repeatedly said that he is ready to fight for his place in the squad, whatever happens next. Improvements to the attack in the 10 positions, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo joining the club, could benefit him over the course of the upcoming season.
But some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section say that the Red Devils should resist the temptation to part with Hojlund just yet. Reader Sav7 lays out the club's remaining priorities: "Get Sesko, keep Hojlund (he will come good) and get a top strong midfielder, maybe Hjulmand or someone similar."
Commenter Cromwellswart says: "By selling Hojlund and buying Sesko or whoever it maybe, we're simply robbing Peter to pay Paul. We can't just have Chido playing second fiddle to Sesko. It's clear we need Hojlund and a new striker, or we buy two new strikers. And I'm starting to get the feeling that I'd rather we kept Hojlund and looked elsewhere, than sell him to buy Sesko. Hojlund deserves another shot in this team."
Realperson writes: "We could do with Sesko and Hojlund competing for the striker role. Last season Hojlund was poor and lacking in confidence for most of it. He’s shown in his first season and in this preseason that he can play. Sesko would be new to the Premier League. I wouldn’t trust either to play every game well. Obi is young and developing. Zirkzee is a support striker and should be competing with Cunha and Mbuemo."
A_grace says: "A forward, a good defensive midfielder with pace and a new goalkeeper to replace Altay are definitely needed and every player must lift their game if Utd want to qualify for Europe this season. Hojlund should be kept to support the new striker."
Others say that Hojlund does not have a future with the club if Sesko joins. Tt84 says: "It seems like the players do not trust Hojlund, which I think means he has to go. I thought he did alright over the pre-season but that's only from what I read."
LesJohnson writes: "Amorim does not trust Hojlund, that is obvious, and is waiting for Zirkzee to get fit and play that vital link role up front."
Bluecheetahs says: "As much as I'd like him to stay and fight for his place, I truly believe a loan move to Leipzig (with Sesko coming to us) would be the best for this lad's career. I'd prefer Zirkzee as cover for Sesko... and dont forget Cunha and Mbeumo can both play as a striker."
Have your say! Where does Rasmus Hojlund's future lie? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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