Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Red Bull Salzburg over a possible transfer for 19-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have initiated negotiations with Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg over a move for Benjamin Sesko in the ongoing transfer window.
Sesko joined Salzburg in 2019 from Slovenian club NK Domzale. The teenage forward spent the first two years of his stint in Austria with FC Liefering, who operate as RB Salzburg’s reserve team in the second division. The 19-year-old striker made his first-team debut for his parent club last year and has since grown into a vital part of the team.
Sesko enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 campaign, during which he managed a return of ten goals and seven assists from 36 matches across all competitions. He has started the new season in Austria on a positive note as well, already netting two goals and setting up one more from three games.
Sesko’s tremendous rise over the past year has attracted the interest of several top clubs across Europe. Real Madrid have been monitoring the 19-year-old’s progress, while more recently Barcelona and Liverpool were also linked with the forward. However, it is Manchester United who seem to be pursuing the Slovenian international with great intent.
Key days for Benjamin Šeško’s future with contacts ongoing. Manchester United know they have to be fast on this deal, after meeting with agent days ago. ??? #MUFC
There are 2 more clubs in the race.
Šeško will make a decision soon with his agent and family. pic.twitter.com/c0aHN74c9y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2022
Manchester United are in the market for a new striker after losing Edinson Cavani in the summer. Anthony Martial is back at the club after his loan spell and has looked good in pre-season, but given his inconsistent nature, the Red Devils would stand to gain from adding another No. 9 to their ranks, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain.
Sesko, to that end, has been identified as a target by Manchester United, with the Premier League giants even holding talks with his agent to explore the possibility of a transfer. They have now taken a step further in their pursuit of the 19-year-old Slovenian international by opening talks with his club, Red Bull Salzburg.
However, there is believed to be a major gap in the valuation of the striker between the two clubs, due to which Manchester United are considering whether to push for his signing or explore other alternatives. Salzburg, for their part, are under no pressure to sell, given as Sesko still has four years left on his contract. So, unless Manchester United are ready to shell out the big bucks, a transfer could be unlikely.
