How Man Utd will fund stunning Benjamin Sesko move, Christopher Vivell wins battle to pursue striker

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Manchester United are making moves to strengthen their strike force ahead of the 2025/26 season.

When the summer transfer window opened, Manchester United reportedly wanted to prioritise the signing of a new centre forward.

Rasmus Hojlund continued to struggle throughout the 2024/25 campaign, scoring just 10 goals across all competitions, and Joshua Zirkzee doesn’t appear to be a goalscorer after scoring fewer goals than his Danish teammate.

United have made efforts to strengthen their attack already by signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Furthermore, Bryan Mbeumo joined from Brentford a month later, and they scored 37 goals between them in the Premier League last season. United’s entire squad managed just 44.

With that in mind, United are trying to identify another striker target after being linked with moves for Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

It is understood that United are prioritising a move for Sesko after tracking the Slovenia international in recent years.

How Manchester United will fund Benjamin Sesko deal

The big question is how will United fund a deal to sign Sesko after completing two transfers for Cunha and Mbeumo at a time the club needs to sell players.

Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia all remain on the club’s wage books and most United fans thought sales would be required before any more signings.

After a conversation with Graeme Bailey, United in Focus understands that Christopher Vivell held lengthy in-house talks about Sesko before United opened talks with the player and later made him their new top summer striker target.

Watkins and Sesko emerged atop of United’s wanted list as Amorim made it clear he wanted a new number 9 to lead their line ahead of new signings Cunha and Mbeumo.

As we previously revealed football chief Jason Wilcox and Amorim felt Watkins’ experience could be significant.

However, we believe that Vivell spoke about the striker’s situation at length to Wilcox and Amorim, and he was detailed in his analysis which outlined in his opinion why Sesko was the right striker at this point for United.

Bailey said: “We are told that the talks between United and Sesko have gone well, very well – they obviously have an ace in pack with the presence of Vivell as part of their team.

“There is also the belief from United’s point of view that the way Ruben Amorim plays is relatively perfect for Sesko and it is believed the Slovenian’s entourage believed that was the case.

“Whilst United themselves are refusing to comment, speaking to a number of people within football – the firm belief is that he is heading to Old Trafford.”

United believe Antony, Sancho and Malacia are leaving – add Hojlund to that and it’s more than enough room to fit a signing of his expense.

Sesko stats by club

Sesko may be just 22, having spent two seasons at Leipzig, but he also played for Salzburg and FC Liefering.

The Slovenian striker was signed up to the Red Bull brand earlier in his career and they are the ones who are set to profit from his potential transfer away from the Bundesliga.

It looks like Sesko is on the way to the Premier League with United currently leading the race for his signature.

Sesko has scored goals wherever he’s been and will hope that continues when he moves again.