If Manchester United sign a striker this summer, they will prioritize the introduction of Benjamin Sesco from Leipzig Red Bull. United have made informal contacts with Leipzig after Cesco became their preferred target.
Newcastle United is also making the 22-year-old their top target. This interest stems from Isaac's statement that he hopes to leave St James' Park, which also accelerates Manchester United's actions.
Leipzig asks for any potential next-place in Sesco: 75 million euros plus floating bonuses and secondary transfer share fees. Ruben Amorin's team also appreciates Aston Villa forward Oli Watkins and has explored the cost of the two potential deals.
Villa informed Manchester United early in the transfer window that the 29-year-old player was not a seller and insisted that he would stay. Manchester United executives are also reluctant to pay the high price they think might impress Villa to consider selling.
Manchester United has added two attackers this summer to strengthen, Mattus Cunha joins from Wolves and Brian Mbemo joins from Brentford. Manchester United had been interested in Cesco before he moved to Salzburg Red Bull, but in 2019, Manchester United believed the 2 million euro was too expensive.
Cesco's contract with Leipzig will last until 2029, and he signed a new contract last year. When he signed that new contract, the understanding reached was that Leipzig would allow him to leave if an elite club - by his definition - offered a offer of around 80 million to 90 million euros (69 million to 78 million pounds).
The Slovenian international joined Leipzig from Salzburg Red Bull in 2023, with both clubs owned by the Red Bull Group. He has made 87 appearances for Leipzig, scoring 39 goals and providing 8 assists. He made his Slovenian adult team debut the day after his 18th birthday and scored 16 goals in 41 games, representing his country in the 2024 European Cup.
Manchester United's decision to choose Cesco over Watkins was eye-catching in many ways. It will be the more expensive of the two deals, but will introduce a young player to complement those more mature signings in the Premier League. Manchester United hopes he can grow into a world-class striker.
Manchester United has been visiting him for many years. They first considered signing Sesco, who was 16 years old and played for Domzale in 2019, but failed to match the 2 million euro transfer fee achieved by Red Bull Salzburg. They also had a conversation in 2022, but Sesco was more inclined to agree to a transfer to Leipzig to achieve his growth. Manchester United also contacted before signing Zilkize last summer, but Sesco chose to stay.
Manchester United plans to make a fourth attempt a lucky trip, but the cost of Sesco will be much higher than the price six years ago. Figuring out how United affords the cost will depend on the unrealized player sale, with tough negotiations expected with Leipzig. Hoylen's future will be more closely watched.
Manchester United signing director Christopher Vivier is quite influential in this proposed transfer. He held executive positions at Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig, respectively, before finalizing the Sesco deal, and advocated that United act again now.
Watkins represents the guaranteed Premier League option as possible, but Manchester United has chosen a player who can play for a club for ten years if everything goes well.
source:7m vn