Manchester United remain fixed on signing a centre-forward this summer, despite Rasmus Hojlund grabbing their opening goal in a 4-1 friendly victory over Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim’s side have narrowly their options down to two players: RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko or Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent, though, Man Utd are still being held to ransom over a deal for Sesko. Here’s why it’s time for Man Utd to walk away from this deal.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Leipzig’s asking price for the Slovenia international striker remains exorbitant. The Bundesliga club want €75 million guaranteed, bonuses and a percentage of the 22-year-old’s future sale.
Sesko’s asking price is also driven by interest from Newcastle United, who look increasingly likely to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee.
With Man Utd crying out for a reliable No.9, Leipzig are chancing their luck. It’s time for the Red Devils to give them a reality check.
Man Utd’s Darwin Nunez?
Sesko’s potential is huge but his club are asking for an absurd fee for a player who still has a good deal to prove to show he belongs at the top of the game.
His numbers are promising but not exceptional. He has scored 13 or more league goals in three successive seasons and boasts Champions League experience. At that elite level, a return of six strikes in 16 appearances is modest.
Sesko is quick, strong and possesses a fierce shot. All this adds up to a mean highlights reel.
But he has weaknesses, too. He remains an enigma in front of goal while his movement in the box remains questionable.
There are comparisons to be drawn with Darwin Nunez, who flopped at Liverpool after a similarly lavish move from Benfica.
Why Sesko is overpriced
It’s the fee that Man Utd are being asked to pay that is the real concern.
Leipzig’s upfront payment of €75m looks slightly expensive even taken in isolation. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €69.6m. Throw in bonuses and a sell-on clause and suddenly Sesko looks a positively lavish purchase.
The German club and the player’s agent have, of course, done their best to hype the player up.
A year ago, Sesko was being talked about as a €100m player. He’s not. At least, not yet. Meanwhile, there is constant hype on
Man Utd are not in a position whereby they can take undue risks on players. Sesko does represent an upgrade on Hojlund, but with transfer funds tight at Old Trafford, he’s certainly not a surefire solution to the club’s ongoing scoring headaches.
At a fair price – around the €70m mark – Sesko could be seen as a risky addition. Much of his value is tied to his potential as opposed to his current ability.
For what Leipzig are demanding, though, he is positively lavish. United have been here before when they overpaid for Hojlund, and they have so far failed to extract his potential. Now they risk of making a similar mistake with Sesko. It’s time to walk away.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
