New Delhi: Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker has been quit smoother this summer. After missing out on their top targets Liam Delap to Chelsea, the Red Devils have found themselves scrambling to find the right player to lead the line. Earlier, Delap seemed liked a viable long-term option but his £30 million release clause was snapped up quickly by Chelsea, leaving United with limited alternatives.
While the addition of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have added the depth and flexibility to United’s frontline the squad still lacks that reliable No.9 to round off Ruben Amorim’s attack.
So far, the club has explored many options including Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Victor Osimhen but most of these links have either fizzled out or led nowhere. Now, the attention has tuned to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Familiar faces might crack the deal
What makes United’s renewed in Sesko particularly intriguing is the presence of Christopher Vivell. United’s director of recruitment has good connection with both Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig, having worked extensively within the Red Bull football network. Vivell joined Leipzig in 2020 and was instrumental in their scouting and transfer operations during his stint as technical director. He was also involved in the decision to sign Sesko from Salzburg back in 2023.
Vivell’s insight into 22-year-old’s targets like Delap, Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike are already off the market and with time ticking the options are narrowing. Last season Sesko has netted 21 goals for Leipzig and overall 39 in 87 appearances. He is one of the most within reach option available who fits both the profile and age bracket the club desires. However, he won’t come cheap as Leipzig are likely to demand a hefty fee especially with four years still left on his contract.
That’s where Vivell’s past association with the club and the player could help United navigate any potential tug of war. In order to buy him the club will need to free up space and funds but Vivell might prove to be the ace up United’s sleeve in bringing Sesko to Old Trafford.
Whether that would be enough to get a deal over the line remains to be seen but at this point Man United need all the leverage they can get as they aim to bounceback from 15th spot in the upcoming season.