Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko has been unveiled by RB Leipzig after a short-lived chase by Manchester United.
United began pursuing Sesko a fortnight ago, identifying the Red Bull Salzburg striker as a big star of the future.
The Mail reported Salzburg set his price at £55 million to deter suitors, and made clear they did not want to sell him this summer.
And predictably, there was a deal struck between two clubs under the Red Bull umbrella, with Sesko sold to Leipzig for just £20 million, while being loaned back to Salzburg for the season.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Sesko unveiled as RB Leipzig player
This carve-up made very clear Manchester United never stood a real chance in this particular deal. The club ended up being used to increase Sesko’s profile and no doubt his agent’s fee.
More fool United for getting suckered in. But that’s what happens when the club is so reactionary in the market, rather than having an actual strategy.
Sesko was unveiled as a RB Leipzig player and expressed his excitement at securing the next step in his career.
Manchester United’s next move for the striker position remains in question. An effort to sign Marko Arnautovic has thankfully been abandoned.
Alvaro Morata has reportedly been offered, ESPN report. We would rather pass on that one. But its clear United have to do something.
The team lined up without a centre-forward for the season’s opener, and Cristiano Ronaldo has an uncertain future. This should have been a priority early in the summer – hopefully there is still time for the club to find the right player.