Newcastle United appear set to withdraw from the transfer race for Benjamin Sesko due to Manchester United’s move, but will pivot to another target for their Alexander Isak replacement.
Manchester United have been desperate for a new striker for almost the entire summer, after it was confirmed Liam Delap wouldn’t join the club, as he wanted to reunite with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have joined Rúben Amorim’s squad, neither are expected to be utilised as the centre forward, but Mbeumo’s position could yet be up front, having not played in pre-season thus far.
Rasmus Hojlund and Chido Obi have shared the striker minutes in pre-season, as Joshua Zirkzee remains on the sidelines due to injury, but many fans feel that a new goalscorer is needed if United want to improve from last season’s dismal 15th place in the Premier League.
Despite scoring just 10 goals in 52 appearances last campaign, Hojlund has looked promising in pre-season, appearing more comfortable on the ball and carrying less weight on his shoulders. Perhaps the off-season has helped the Dane cope with the pressure he faced last year.
United have narrowed their striker search down to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but face competition from Newcastle United as it appears Alexander Isak will move to Liverpool, along with Hugo Ekitike.
Newcastle look at Watkins after United move
As reported by MailSport, Newcastle are set to make a move for Ollie Watkins after rejecting Liverpool’s opening offer for Alexander Isak; it appears the Magpies are preparing for life without the Swedish international.
United remain interested in Watkins, with the Englishman reportedly being Jason Wilcox’s preferred option, but favour a move for Sesko due to Christopher Vivell’s longstanding interest in the Slovenian.
Watkins had been touted as a “perfect” striker signing for Amorim, considering his Premier League experience – but Šeško looks to be a better target to secure concerning the long-term future of United’s squad. But, with Newcastle eyeing a move for Watkins, United have become the undeniable favourites for Šeško.
MailSport reports that Newcastle’s top target for their new centre forward was Sesko, but United have now made a move for the Slovenian. The Red Devils all but ended Eddie Howe’s pursuit of Yoanne Wissa after Mbeumo’s transfer, and they appear to have done the same with Šeško.
While Newcastle remain interested in Wissa, they also have Watkins and Jorgen Strand Larsen on their shortlist if they need to sign a new centre forward this summer.
United now appear to be the clear favourite to sign Sesko from Leipzig, if they can afford the large transfer fee that RB Leipzig will demand. Even though he is just 22 years old, Sesko could still be cheaper than Watkins, as Aston Villa don’t want to sell.
Sesko adds a new dynamic to United’s attack
While many say he is a similar profile to Hojlund, Sesko could add a new dynamic to Amorim’s frontline, due to his ball-striking ability, with power like Erling Haaland.
Even though United played exceptionally well against AFC Bournemouth, the defence was still forced into long balls on several occasions; Sesko could be the target that the backline needs to keep possession and force the opposition to drop off.
Hojlund often found himself backing into defenders last season because he couldn’t compete with the tall Premier League defenders in the air, but Sesko won’t have this problem due to his 6’5 frame and impressive leap.
Luke Shaw and Patrick Chinazaekepere Dorgu may finally have a target for their impressive crosses, as Sesko three headed goals in the Bundesliga last season, from a total of just 13 goals overall.
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