Benjamin Sesko to Man United transfer latest – Newcastle claim ‘secret weapon’, teammate praise…
The latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip includes a round-up on Benjamin Sesko who continues to attract interest from the Premier League..
Manchester United are yet to add a new striker to their squad, despite links to Benjamin Sesko, with the new Premier League season set to kick off at home against Arsenal on August 17.”
A host of players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins, and Nicolas Jackson. On Thursday, talkSPORT reported that United had made fresh contact with Aston Villa regarding Watkins, but the 29-year-old is believed to be valued at around £60million.
But the club hierarchy are also keeping a close eye on Sesko’s situation after Arsenal abandoned negotiations for his services. The Gunners have instead chosen to pursue a deal for Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Here, MEN Sport takes a look at the latest developments surrounding Sesko.
Price tag emerges
According to journalist Christian Falk, Leipzig could consider a sale if an offer around the €70million (£60.6m) mark. Speaking to Caught Offside, Falk revealed United are closely monitoring the situation.
“When one door closes, another opens! Arsenal have withdrawn their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, which creates an opportunity for Manchester United,” he said. “The Red Devils weren’t in the front row for the club and player. However, there’s a key executive involved in all of this – Christopher Vivell, United’s head of scouting.
“He’s previously worked for RB Leipzig, and he’s now supporting the potential deal. Vivell’s also been watching the situation develop since April. He was at the match between Leipzig and Wolfsburg to scout Sesko again. The striker (22) is still very, very young. He can leave with a good offer; I think Leipzig are willing to talk if they receive a fee closer to €70m [£60.6m].”
Newcastle ‘exploring move’
United could now be facing tough competition for Sesko, following the news that Alexander Isak is considering a move away from Newcastle United. On Thursday Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle were alert to Sesko’s situation at Leipzig and have been informed about what it would take to sign him.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s David Ornstein added that the Magpies are ‘exploring a move’ for the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Isak. Eddie Howe’s side have had a long-standing interest in the Slovenia star.
However, it’s said that a deal is challenging from a financial perspective.
‘Secret weapon’
However, United hold a secret weapon over Newcastle. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is now based at Old Trafford, but he previously worked with Sesko during his time at Leipzig.
Vivell not only understands the strengths and weaknesses of pursuing a deal for Sesko, but he also has existing relationships with the player and his representatives – connections that could help facilitate a smoother negotiation process if United decide to make a move.
Praise from current and former teammates
“Our striker Sesko, I was really impressed, to be honest,” Ridle Baku, who joined Leipzig from Wolfsburg in January told FourFourTwo in March. “The first training session, I knew already that he’s a good player. But I’m speaking about potential, probably he’s not [currently at] potential he could be, but right now, what I saw already, very impressive. He has everything to be a world-class player.”
Meanwhile, Yussuf Poulsen, who spent 12 seasons at Leipzig before leaving earlier this month, said: “As a striker, he’s the best I’ve played with,” the Dane told TNT Sports last year. “If you look at his abilities, he has everything a top number nine needs.
“He’s still young, he still needs to learn, not the technical things about being a striker but maybe more the finesse side. He has everything, strength shooting, technique, everything. I like working with him and I’m trying to get him there – he’ll go on and score a lot of goals for us and some point go to the club he’ll love to play for.”
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