Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has lifted the lid on his reaction when the club were first linked with Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko sealed his blockbuster €85 million (£73.6m) switch from RB Leipzig to Old Trafford earlier this month, becoming one of the headline deals of the summer.
Mainoo confessed he was thrilled when reports emerged that United were chasing the 22-year-old striker.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “When we were linked with him, I was excited. Really athletic, powerful and really good at finishing. So yeah, it’s been good so far.
Sesko became United’s fourth senior signing of the summer, following Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon through the door.
The Red Devils had to work very hard to secure his signature as he was targeted by several clubs across Europe.
Recruiting a striker was seen as non-negotiable after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled to make the number nine role their own.
Hojlund scored only four Premier League goals in 32 appearances last campaign, a return nowhere near the level expected at United.
Liam Delap was their priority signing, but the Englishman opted to join Chelsea.
Viktor Gyokeres was another name on their shortlist, but the 27-year-old preferred a move to Arsenal due to the lure of the Champions League.
A move for Victor Osimhen was not feasible because of his eye-watering wage demands.
Sesko has made two substitute appearances for United in the league so far.
The Slovenian is expected to start in today’s clash with Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round.
United fans will be desperate for the centre-forward to open his account and finally put an end to the side’s ongoing goal-scoring problems.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com