Manchester United have made contact with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane regarding a potential move, according to Sport BILD (page 34).
The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their specialist strikers, but the latter has been linked with a move away from the club for many months.
Juventus, Roma and Fiorentina were interested in signing Zirkzee over the summer, while Everton also attempted to land him on loan before the September 1 deadline.
United may seek to part ways with the Dutchman next year, and Sport BILD claim that the club have identified Kofane as a possible addition to their centre-forward ranks.
The publication claim that Arsenal have been in contact with Kofane’s agency in the last few months, while United have recently ‘come knocking’ on the player’s door too.
Kofane snubbed enquiries from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton in the last transfer window, and he clearly has his sights on joining a club with a much higher pedigree.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen view the Cameroonian as a future £85 million star. They have so far failed to convince him to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.
Kofane was fancied to extend his deal (June 2029) until June 2031, but talks have stalled over his wage demands. He is eyeing four times his current annual salary (£847k).
Kofane would be a superb acquisition for United
Sesko has been United’s regular centre-forward when fully fit, but the Slovenian has been struggling with a shin problem. He is currently out of action for the same reason.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee is out of favour under manager Michael Carrick. The Dutchman has barely started for the club and could be on his way out if United can land a replacement.
Ideally, United may want a young marksman with huge potential like Sesko. Kofane could be the solution after a promising start to his career with Leverkusen in Germany.
The 20-year-old joined the club from Spanish second-tier side Albacete in 2025 and had a productive debut season, with seven goals and nine assists in under 2,000 minutes.
He has been equally effective in his second season and has already netted three goals despite playing under 200 minutes. Patrick Schick remains the first-choice striker for Leverkusen.
Aside from his goal contributions, Kofane has also caught the eye with his hold-up play and physicality. He gave Arsenal’s William Saliba a tough time in the Champions League last term.
Kofane has the potential to become a leading number nine in the Premier League, and he would be a proper competitor to Sesko upfront for the Red Devils, in our opinion.
The Cameroonian is nowhere near worthy of the reported £85m valuation. Based on his current minutes and potential, a £50m deal would represent good business for United.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com