manchester United are actively pursuing both Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins as potential solutions too their striker needs, with manager Ruben Amorim indicating the club has the financial capacity to secure a No. 9 without immediate player sales. This comes amid significant movement in the striker market,including Son Heung-min’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool’s unsuccessful £110 million bid for Alexander Isak.
Sesko, currently playing for RB Leipzig, is a primary target for United, but faces competition from Newcastle United, who have submitted a formal bid of approximately £70 million. United has initiated contact with Leipzig and continues negotiations. Watkins, of Aston Villa, remains another key option.
Rasmus Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta in 2025 for an initial £64 million, has attracted interest from Serie A clubs Napoli and Juventus, and also RB leipzig. Despite speculation surrounding his future, the Denmark international has publicly stated his desire to remain at Manchester United and compete for his position, following a goal in a 4-1 pre-season victory over Bournemouth in Chicago on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Soldier Field.
Højlund scored four Premier League goals during the 2023-2024 season. Amorim has declined to comment on Højlund’s potential transfer. Barcelona’s Raphinha has also been mentioned in connection with potential moves for attacking players, potentially impacting the overall market dynamics.
Background: The Premier League Striker Landscape
The current transfer window is witnessing a significant reshuffling of attacking talent across Europe’s top leagues. son Heung-min’s exit from Tottenham after a long and successful tenure signals a new era for the north London club. Liverpool’s aggressive pursuit of Alexander Isak, and subsequent rejection of their substantial bid by Newcastle, highlights the premium placed on proven goalscorers. Manchester United’s search for a consistent No.9 has been ongoing since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2022,and the club is determined to find a long-term solution to bolster their attacking options. The club finished eighth in the 2023-2024 Premier League season, scoring 57 goals – fewer than champions Manchester City (96), arsenal (91), and Liverpool (86).
