Manchester United are looking towards the Bundesliga market for potential striking additions, though one target is now off the table.
Ruben Amorim wants more goals in his Manchester United squad, and two major additions should help in that regard.
Matheus Cunha joined United early in the window, before Bryan Mbeumo finally arrived at Old Trafford from Brentford.
More firepower is still wanted, though, with United chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
United are facing a real battle with Newcastle United for the Slovenian’s signature, meaning other targets must be on the radar.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick celebrates scoring against Augsburg.
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Manchester United target Patrik Schick stays put
Other Bundesliga strikers may even be on United’s radar, having seen Sesko impress in German football.
Rumours earlier this year suggested that United were interested in signing Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen.
While Sesko is young and full of potential, Schick is a more seasoned and proven goalscorer at 29.
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The Czech forward smashed 27 goals in all competitions last season, including 21 in the Bundesliga.
Formerly of Sampdoria and Roma, Schick has now bagged 81 goals in 168 games for Leverkusen, and would have been an experienced addition to United’s attack while the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi develop.
However, Leverkusen have now managed to convince Schick to sign a new contract, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2030.
That will take Schick well into his 30s, and is the kind of long-term deal United surely wouldn’t have offered at this stage in Schick’s career.
New Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag will certainly be delighted to have kept hold of Schick, especially having lost the likes of Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz this summer.
Schick is staying put, and this new deal now takes him off the table as United chase a new goalscorer.
Patrik Schick on new Leverkusen deal
Schick may have only been one name on United’s lengthy list of potential striking additions this summer, but he was an interesting option.
Sesko would be an exciting addition, but United lack some experience and know-how in Amorim’s attack.
The Czech forward would have fit the bill without breaking the bank, but he has admitted his delight after committing his future to the club.
“I want to and will continue to contribute goals, that’s my strength,” said Schick on Leverkusen’s official website.
“In addition, I’m also looking to being a key part of the rebuild into a new team capable of winning trophies.
“The future is looking good. Bayer 04 are working very hard on building a top team for the future. I firmly believe we will continue to play a leading role in the Bundesliga and in Europe in the future,” he added.
United’s striking pursuit continues, and Leverkusen’s Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig could be dented as Sesko emerges as the top target.