Manchester United Intensify Striker Search: Watkins and Sesko Lead the List
The scramble for firepower at Manchester United is climbing into high gear. This summer, the club’s recruitment team has focused in on two names—Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko—as they look to reshape their attacking line-up. After missing out on targets like Liam Delap, who opted for a move to Chelsea, and seeing Bryan Mbeumo leave for Brentford, the pressure is on to get this one right.
Ollie Watkins is the name that keeps cropping up in Premier League chatter. The Aston Villa striker has established himself as a relentless forward—never afraid to press, strong in the air, and with a knack for finding the net. His goal-scoring record with Villa speaks for itself, and at 28, he’s got the right blend of experience and reliability. United see Watkins as a practical solution, offering proven league experience with less risk than untested names. But there’s a hitch: Aston Villa’s leadership aren’t keen on letting their top striker go. They’ve sent clear signals behind the scenes that Watkins won’t be leaving without a fight—and judging by Villa’s ambitions, that position might not change soon.
On the other hand, the buzz around Benjamin Sesko is growing louder. At just 22, the Slovenian striker has been making waves at RB Leipzig, notching up an impressive 39 goals in 87 appearances. For a club that’s keen on balancing immediate results with future potential, Sesko ticks a lot of boxes. He’s quick, good with both feet, and his movement inside the box makes him a nightmare for defenders. United have kicked off early talks with both Leipzig and Sesko’s representatives. But the sticker shock is hard to ignore—Leipzig are holding out for a fee in the region of €80-90 million. It’s a hefty sum, especially with financial fair play rules looming in the background.
Transfer Competition Heats Up—And So Does the Pressure
United aren’t alone in their chase for a top striker. Newcastle United, bolstered by Champions League football, have shown interest in Sesko too. But sources close to the player suggest that if both offers are on the table, a move to Old Trafford holds more appeal for the young forward. The promise of regular game time, the history, and the chance to be a central figure in United’s rebuild could tip the scales in Manchester’s favor.
Behind the scenes, United are aware that whoever comes in this summer, there will be consequences for their existing forward line. One name under the microscope is Rasmus Højlund. The young Danish forward arrived with high hopes but has struggled for consistency in his first season. Italian giants Napoli and Juventus are keeping tabs on his situation, hoping that United’s transfer moves might open a door for a deal.
Recruitment at this level is a balancing act. The club needs someone who can deliver goals from day one, but they can’t afford to overlook potential stars for the future. As United weigh their options between Watkins’ Premier League pedigree and Sesko’s raw promise, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Every decision from here on out will influence the team’s direction for years to come—and fans are watching every twist with eagle eyes.