Man Utd Think They’ll Convince £64m Striker to Join Them Instead of Chelsea
Manchester United are reportedly confident of beating Chelsea to the signing of a prolific £64 million-rated striker this summer, as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season. With both Premier League giants eyeing reinforcements in the final third, the transfer battle for one of Europe’s most exciting forwards is heating up—but insiders at Old Trafford believe they hold the edge.
United’s interest comes amid a growing sense of urgency to support rising star Rasmus Højlund, who, despite showing promise, cannot be solely relied upon to carry the team’s goal-scoring burden. Erik ten Hag—or any potential managerial successor—needs firepower, and United believe this striker, whose identity is currently being kept under wraps publicly by the club, is the perfect addition.
According to multiple reports, the player in question is Benjamin Šeško, the highly-rated Slovenian forward currently starring for RB Leipzig. The 20-year-old has been in outstanding form in the Bundesliga, scoring goals with consistency and showing the kind of physical and technical attributes that make him a natural fit for the Premier League.
Why United Believe They Can Win the Race
While Chelsea are also firmly in the race, United believe several factors are working in their favour. Firstly, the club see themselves as offering a clearer pathway to regular first-team football. With Højlund still developing and Anthony Martial expected to leave, Šeško would arrive with the opportunity to play a key role from day one.
In contrast, Chelsea’s attacking setup is more crowded. With Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Armando Broja (if retained) all vying for minutes, Šeško’s camp reportedly has concerns about game time at Stamford Bridge. United, aware of this, have already opened preliminary talks with his representatives to outline a clear development plan.
Moreover, United are banking on their global prestige and proven track record with elite strikers—from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney to Robin van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo—as part of their pitch to the young Slovenian.
Financial Clout and Project Clarity
Despite financial constraints under new UEFA Financial Sustainability rules, United are optimistic they can structure a deal that satisfies RB Leipzig’s £64 million valuation. The INEOS-backed leadership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to prioritize this signing as part of a long-term rebuild, and that has reassured Šeško’s camp.
A source close to the club told the press, “There’s a belief that the striker sees United as a project with clearer ambitions and the right setup to showcase his talents. Chelsea have changed managers and systems too frequently, while United, despite their inconsistencies, offer more positional stability and a clearer vision.”
United’s emphasis on youth and development also aligns with Šeško’s ambitions. The 6ft 4in forward has often spoken about wanting to grow steadily in a team that trusts him, and United’s recent track record with developing young players like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Højlund may tip the balance.
Šeško’s Profile: The Next Great No. 9?
Benjamin Šeško has long been touted as one of Europe’s next great centre-forwards. After bursting onto the scene at Red Bull Salzburg with his powerful runs, aerial ability, and sharp finishing, he made the move to RB Leipzig in 2023 and quickly adapted to the Bundesliga’s intensity.
His game blends pace, strength, and technical finesse—a rare combination that’s drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, with whom he shares a similar build and development path. This season, Šeško has reached double digits in goals and contributed several assists, showing improvement in his link-up play and positional awareness.
At just 20 years old, his ceiling is immense. That’s why both United and Chelsea are pushing hard to secure his signature early in the summer window—before his price rises further or other elite clubs join the chase.
Chelsea’s Position: Still a Threat
Although United are confident, Chelsea should not be underestimated. The West London club have financial muscle, a persuasive recruitment team, and a long history of hijacking deals—often at the final hour.
Mauricio Pochettino (or his replacement, should Chelsea change direction) is believed to be an admirer of Šeško’s profile. Chelsea view him as an upgrade to Jackson or, at the very least, a high-ceiling complement to their forward line. Given their heavy fixture load and squad rotation philosophy, they believe Šeško could still get plenty of minutes.
Chelsea’s sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have also been aggressive in recruiting young talent, and they’ve made it clear they’re willing to pay the full clause for the right profile. However, doubts remain about the club’s lack of stability, with managerial turnover and inconsistent results possibly working against them in Šeško’s mind.
What Does Šeško Want?
According to sources close to the striker, Šeško’s priority is not just a big paycheck but a club that provides:
Regular first-team football
Tactical clarity
Support for long-term development
A competitive but stable environment
Manchester United’s recent efforts to present a clear development plan have reportedly gone down well with his representatives. Talks have included ideas for how he could partner or rotate with Højlund, how he would be supported by creators like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, and the role he would play in a revamped attacking unit.
Timing of the Deal
While no agreement has been reached, both United and Chelsea are expected to push hard once the season ends. RB Leipzig are not keen to sell mid-season but have acknowledged that Šeško is likely to move on this summer if his release clause is met.
The clause, set at €75 million (approximately £64 million), is non-negotiable—but that hasn’t deterred either Premier League side. Leipzig would prefer to avoid a bidding war and are encouraging interested clubs to declare their intentions early.
United, with the backing of INEOS and a re
structured football department, want to move quickly—both to
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