There are three main shirt numbers Benjamin Sesko could wear at Manchester United as the club enters formal talks with RB Leipzig for the striker.
Manchester United are targeting RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as they look to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.
The Reds have already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both proven goal threats, but the pair are expected to operate as no.10s in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, leaving room for a new centre-forward.
With Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to deliver, Sesko has emerged as the preferred option. The 22-year-old scored 21 goals and provided six assists last season, confirming his status as one of Europe’s top young talents.
United’s interest has intensified following the arrival of Christopher Vivell, formerly of the Red Bull network, in a key recruitment role and formal talks with Leipzig are said to be underway.
Three shirt numbers Benjamin Sesko can wear at United
With various reports now stating that Sesko is the preferred option at Old Trafford, this seems like a deal that is coming into life and may be completed soon.
United have around two and a half weeks until the Premier League season begins and they will want to get Sesko through the door before that point.
Sesko himself will also be looking at potential shirt numbers at Old Trafford should a deal go through and he will have to make a switch,
During his senior career at RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, the striker has only wore the no.30. He did don the no.21 whilst on loan with FC Liefering.
Of course, Diego Leon has taken the no.30 at Old Trafford but there are several other shirt numbers Sesko could take at the club.
The no.14 remains free at the club since Christian Eriksen’s departure. Ironically, this would have probably been the number he wore at Arsenal if that move went through. He was their preferred target for some time.
Sesko could also take the no.17 at United, with Alejandro Garnacho set to depart the club this summer. He might not have to wait for the Argentine’s exit either, as was the case for Cunha taking Marcus Rashford’s no.10 shirt.
Another option for the Slovenian forward is the no.20 shirt, which has recently become vacant after Diogo Dalot switched to the no.2 earlier this summer.
Sesko will have improved platform to perform
Many United fans have voiced concerns that Sesko could face similar struggles to Højlund, who has yet to make a consistent impact since his move to Old Trafford.
However, there are some notable differences that may work in Sesko’s favour. For one, he’s slightly older and more experienced than Højlund was when United signed him from Atalanta, having already enjoyed a productive spell at RB Leipzig.
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Crucially, the circumstances surrounding his potential arrival are also more favourable. The additions of Mbeumo and Cunha mean the burden of leading the line and delivering goals won’t fall squarely on Sesko’s shoulders from day one. Instead, he would be part of a more balanced and dynamic attacking unit.
It’s a very different situation compared to when Højlund arrived, and if the deal goes through, it will be fascinating to see how Sesko adapts to life in the Premier League.
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