Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker has been hugely evident throughout the current transfer window, with reinforcements desperately needed within the final third.
The signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already been completed, adding 35 Premier League goals to their forward line with their respective transfers.
However, their hunt for a striker has been since after constantly pursuing a move to land Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, potentially landing reuniting between the Swede and Ruben Amorim.
Such a pursuit appears to have been to no avail, with the 27-year-old now set to join fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal instead of a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Despite missing out on his signature, work is still being conducted to land a new talisman, leading to interest being registered in multiple other targets over the last few days.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has been a player constantly linked with a move to United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 16 league goals last campaign.
However, any deal for the England international could prove to be an expensive one, with the 29-year-old valued at £60m – a figure that may prove to be poor value for money given his age.
Despite the interest in Unai Emery’s star man, another name has entered the frame of late, with RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko a key target, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that the hierarchy are preparing an £80m bid to land the 22-year-old talent this summer after he bagged 21 goals across all competitions throughout 2024/25.
The report also states that Amorim himself has personally asked for the addition of the Slovenian international, seeing him as the perfect fit for the centre-forward role.
Why United’s £80m target would be better than Ekitike
In their pursuit for a new talisman, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké has also been a player who has been strongly linked with a summer move to join United.
The Frenchman has been at the top of their shortlist at times, after he registered 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions during the recent campaign.
His asking price has constantly been in the region of £84m this window, but no deal for the 23-year-old has progressed, leaving another side to take advantage in the pursuit of his signature.
Liverpool have subsequently agreed a deal for Ekitike, with the youngster already on Merseyside, which has seen Amorim’s side once again miss out on another centre forward.
However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if they land Sesko, with the Leipzig forward arguably being a better option for the Red Devils ahead of 2025/26.
When comparing his stats to those of the soon-to-be Liverpool ace, he managed to outperform in the Bundesliga last time around, evidently possessing a better skillset than the Frenchman.
Sesko, who’s been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “the new Haaland”, posted a higher goal per shot on-target rate, along with a better shot on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.
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How Sesko & Ekitike compare in the Bundesliga (2024/25) |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Sesko |
Ekitike |
|
Games played |
33 |
33 |
|
Goals & assists |
18 |
23 |
|
Goals per shot on target |
0.4 |
0.3 |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
44% |
38% |
|
Take-on success |
52% |
43% |
|
Aerials won |
2.7 |
1.8 |
|
Aerial success rate |
59% |
46% |
|
Passes into final third |
1.1 |
0.8 |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
He also completed more take-ons whilst making more passes into the final third per 90, having the all-round ability to cause carnage for the opposition within attacking areas.
The Slovenian’s dominance over Ekitike is further showcased by his aerial ability, winning more of the battles he entered, handing Amorim the focal point he desires at Old Trafford.
Whilst £80m may appear to be a massive sum of money, it’s a deal that needs to be completed if the side are to reach the next level, with Sesko having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.
Missing out on Ekitike to bitter rivals Liverpool will undoubtedly be a disappointment, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if the Leipzig star thrives in the Premier League.
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