Viktor Gyokeres is a forward with whom Ruben Amorim has a strong rapport, stemming from their time together at Sporting CP, where they secured two Liga Portugal championships.
The Swedish player made his move to the club in 2023 for £20 million from Coventry City, significantly advancing his career and sparking speculation about a lucrative transfer.
At 26 years old, Gyokeres has netted 83 goals in 91 appearances for the Leões, including an impressive 28 goals in 25 matches this season, contributing to the team’s position at the top of the league.
It is clear that Manchester United fans would welcome a reunion between the striker and the manager, given their successful collaboration in Portugal. However, acquiring him could require a substantial financial investment due to his remarkable scoring record.
Considering the need for a new key player at Old Trafford, it may be prudent to explore alternative options, potentially leading them to pursue another striker.
United keen on landing striker this summer
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Manchester United is interested in acquiring RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the Slovenian being one of several players on their radar.
The 21-year-old was also considered by the Red Devils last summer, but a transfer was never finalized for the forward, who has demonstrated impressive goal-scoring ability this season.
Sesko has scored 17 goals in 36 matches across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, undoubtedly adding a significant attacking threat to Amorim’s squad if he were to join.
Although Plettenberg has not specified a transfer fee, Leipzig previously sought around £70 million for his services, and it is likely they will expect a similar amount this time.
While this would represent another substantial investment from the club’s management, it could enable the young talent to emerge as Manchester United’s own version of a reliable Premier League star.
Why Sesko could be the new Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has made a significant impact on the English Premier League in recent years, with his exceptional goal-scoring ability playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s acquisition of several league titles.
The Norwegian forward joined Pep Guardiola’s team in 2022 and has since scored 119 goals in 137 matches for the club, including a record-breaking 36 goals during his inaugural Premier League season.
This season, however, he has not met his usual standards, managing only 21 goals in the league, marking his lowest performance since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
In contrast, Sesko has been referred to as the “new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, as the Leipzig player has recorded numerous statistics that are comparable to or even exceed those of Haaland in the 2024/25 season.
| How Sesko compares to Haaland in 2024/25 so far | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Sesko | Haaland |
| Games played | 25 | 28 |
| Goals & assists | 15 | 24 |
| Goals per shot on target | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Progressive carries | 1.7 | 0.7 |
| Progressive passes | 1.8 | 0.7 |
| Take-on success | 52% | 34% |
| Aerials won | 58% | 52% |
| Stats via FBref | ||
The Slovenian international may have recorded fewer total goals and assists than the Norwegian in the 2024/25 season; however, he has achieved a superior goal-to-shot-on-target ratio compared to the City star, demonstrating his efficiency with the opportunities presented to him.
Additionally, he has completed more take-ons and won a greater number of aerial duels, contributing to the well-rounded center-forward presence that Amorim’s team has significantly lacked this season.
While Gyokeres remains a top choice for many due to his prior experience under the manager, Sesko’s performance this season underscores what an excellent addition he could be.
If he can approach the levels of performance exhibited by Haaland recently, he would represent a remarkable signing, with the potential for further development given his young age.
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