Manchester United will have now developed a habit of missing out on transfer targets after another man has slipped out of their hands. RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko, who was wanted by United as well as Chelsea has completed a move to RB Leipzig, in effect from the summer of 2023. The striker now becomes one of the many players who have rejected a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Sesko emerged on the radars of United and Chelsea after an impressive last season with Salzburg which saw him score 11 goals and assist 7 in 37 games in all competitions. While the Premier League clubs were touted as the frontrunners, it is Leipzig who have concluded his signing on a five-year-deal for a fee of around €24 million.
Benjamin Sesko’s rejection adds to frustration of United
United have so far been decent with summer business, however much to the disappointment of the fans. The Red Devils have only landed three players till now, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia. However, they have consistently missed out on their priority targets with Benjamin Sesko the latest to reject their proposal.
The 20-time Premier League champions are highly unlikely to land Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer despite agreeing a £71 million package for him. The midfielder has been on the top of the list of new manager Erik ten Hag, but lack of Champions League football is the reason De Jong is avoiding them. Sesko further extends the list of players who have kept themselves at ten-arms’ length from United.
On the other hand, Benjamin Sesko has spoken out about his links to United, dismissing them after signing with Leipzig. He said: “I have read and heard so much about me in recent weeks, and a lot of it had no basis in reality. In order to end the speculation and fully concentrate on my tasks here at Red Bull Salzburg, it was important for me to arrange the next steps in my career already.
“I wanted to gain clarity as soon as possible on the way ahead. Absolutely nothing has changed for me personally otherwise, and I will still give everything for Red Bull Salzburg as we have a lot of plans this season.”
Meanwhile, Leipzig are enjoying their summer as they have struck a deal to bring back their former striker Timo Werner from Chelsea as well. Werner, who was first speculated to leave on a loan deal has now agreed to return to Germany on permanent basis.
Manchester United have further added to the frustration of their fans as they are now linked with moves for 33-year-old striker Marko Arnautovic and Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The Red Devils were already humbled in their league opener against Brighton, and now seem to be going down the same way in the transfer market.