English giants Manchester United reportedly lead the race to sign Real Madrid, Chelsea target Benjamin Sesko, valued at €50 million by Red Bull Salzburg.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Benjamin Sesko is likelier to join Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The Slovenian striker, valued at €50 million by Red Bull Salzburg, is also a target for Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Benjamin Sesko has become one of the hottest properties in the market following his breakthrough season with Red Bull Salzburg in 2021/22. The 19-year-old has gradually grown in stature at the Austrian club and will likely be their first-choice striker through the 2022/23 campaign.
Sesko has started the new campaign strongly, scoring twice and providing one assist in three appearances thus far this season. The Slovenian international has unsurprisingly popped up on the radars of several high-profile clubs in Europe, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea being keen on signing him.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the advancing years of Karim Benzema. While the French international continues to go from strength to strength, he is well into his thirties, thus compelling Real Madrid to lay down a succession plan for him. Sesko has thus emerged as a viable target for Los Blancos, with the Santiago Bernabeu his preferred destination.
Excl: Chelsea had meeting with the agent of Benjamin Šeško last week. Manchester United had more than one direct meeting – and there’s also another club in the race. ⚠️?? #Sesko
The decision is up to the player in the next days, as RB Salzburg hope to keep him for one more year. pic.twitter.com/2Bwq2Sd9mm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2022
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils are sweating over Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term future, with the Portuguese international eager to join a club playing in the UEFA Champions League. The Premier League heavyweights have already held talks with Red Bull Salzburg for Sesko, with the Austrian club demanding €50 million for him.
Meanwhile, Chelsea recently entered the race to sign Sesko, with owner Todd Boehly personally opening talks with the player’s representatives this week. The Blues are yet to bring in a replacement for Romelu Lukaku. And with Timo Werner facing an uncertain future at Chelsea, the west London club will need to sign a striker, with Sesko an option worth considering.
But Real Madrid and Chelsea might fall behind in the race to sign the 19-year-old, with Manchester United “best placed” to secure his services this summer. Real Madrid will prefer to see Sesko join another club before he arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu, meaning Manchester United should secure his services, possibly for around €50 million.
