Manchester United’s striker pursuit this summer seems to be never ending right now, with top target Benjamin Sesko now subject of a bid.
Having already added both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the attacking ranks this summer, Manchester United want to complete the overhaul with a new number nine.
Despite Rasmus Hojlund improving during pre-season, feelings on this within the club have remained the same and Benjamin Sesko emerged as United’s top target for the striker role.
However, while talks have begun, Newcastle have bid £69m for Sesko which is nearing too expensive territory for the Red Devils this summer.
Ineos are waiting for Sesko to give priority to United before lodging an offer, however, there is also a feeling that Jason Wilcox may be letting Newcastle do all the work before moving forward by putting money on the table.
Now, on Tuesday, after waiting for Newcastle to play their hand, David Ornstein has reported that United have submitted a £73m bid for Sesko.
This sees £65m up front with United offering a further £8m in add-ons to sign the 22-year-old striker.
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Despite this bid, there are no assurances, with Leipzig not responding to the offer yet and even so, plenty of fans will feel this is a massively overpriced deal. This could mean alternatives are still looked at.
Benjamin Sesko taking on VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ollie Watkins
The most obvious alternative to Sesko for United this summer would be Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who was considered one of the two final potential signings for the club this summer alongside the Slovenian.
United were quoted £60m by Villa for Watkins, which is a massive fee for a player that the Midlands-based side are keen to sell and also someone who is 30 years old this season.
However, given the PSR trouble that the Villans find themselves in, United hope to strike a £45m deal for Watkins which would represent excellent value considering he is Premier League-proven and an all-around excellent striker.
Watkins would get the best from Mbeumo and also Cunha, which makes him the preferred option should in the event Sesko becomes illogical.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
For United, Premier League proven appears to be the order of the transfer window, as we all know, and therefore if Sesko is an exception, it seems likely that the replacement will be someone with a track record of scoring in England.
Watkins ticks this box, but so does Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Crystal Palace striker becoming incredibly reliable for Oliver Glasner’s European-bound Eagles.
After struggling in his first three years at Selhurst Park, Mateta has 30 Premier League goals in his past two seasons. This form has been largely in Glasner’s 3-4-3 system, which has sparked United’s long held interest in signing Mateta, with links throughout 2025.
Mateta has the tools to be ideal for Amorim, with his technical quality and size offering Amorim much desired physicality up top. However, there would be risk as he won’t be cheap and has only really ever performed to a high level for one manager.
Yoane Wissa
Third on the list is another Premier League based option in the form of Yoane Wissa from Brentford, with the 28-year-old seeking an exit this summer after seeing the Bees torn apart.
United took Mbeumo for £65m, who Wissa was incredibly close with and now the Congo forward wants his own move, and if United can negotiate Brentford’s demands down he would be a solid choice.
After scoring 19 Premier League goals last season, he is in his prime and would arrive with an impressive relationship already formed in United’s front three.
This move however is too expensive right now for a player with arguably one top season in his career.
Dusan Vlahovic
The biggest outsider for United’s striker hunt this summer comes in the form of Serbian international Dusan Vlahovic, who is almost certain to leave Juventus this summer.
United have been offered Vlahovic this summer for next to nothing as the Turin outfit look to rid themselves of the expensive number nine.
Despite having pedigree, Vlahovic won’t be high on any United decision makers list due to his wages and injury record, however, if attentions turn toward a midfielder then late in August a temporary move for Vlahovic to see the Red Devils through this season would be hard to argue against.
Nicolas Jackson
In the striker position, United need goals and more importantly to ensure that there will be an upgrade on the current options.
For Nicolas Jackson upfront, this wouldn’t be the case with the Chelsea striker not a clear upgrade on Hojlund, and it would see United replicate mistakes Arsenal have made of signing Chelsea’s unwanted players.
Jackson should be a last resort, on loan only, but again, as an alternative late in August it might end up being as good as United can get.