Manchester United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, and one of the striker's statistics that beats out Jude Bellingham may reassure fans that the move is no gamble
Incoming Manchester United recruit Benjamin Sesko is the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe's five biggest leagues over the past two seasons. Ruben Amorim appears to be getting a new No. 9 in the form of RB Leipzig star Sesko, who is the subject of a £65.3million bid from the Red Devils, which could rise to nearly £74m if certain add-ons are achieved.
Premier League rivals Newcastle have also shown interest in the striker and have put forward a more lucrative proposal than United's, but the 22-year-old's preference is a move to Old Trafford.
Sesko is currently training separately from his Leipzig colleagues, according to a statement released by his club, and while some have expressed doubts about his abilities and hefty price tag, his goal-scoring statistics speak for themselves.
Over the last two seasons, no player under the age of 23 has scored more goals than Sesko in Europe's top five leagues, as he's netted 39 in just 87 matches, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This puts him one goal ahead of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and five goals ahead of Florian Wirtz, whose summer transfer to Liverpool could set a British record if certain add-ons are met.
In fourth place on the list is Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala, who has racked up 33 goals during this period, followed by PSG's Bradley Barcola and German ace Maximilian Beier on 26.
Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record, outperforming some of Europe's top young talents, will be a welcome sound to Amorim's ears. It suggests that the 22-year-old won't be overwhelmed when he arrives in Manchester, and United are fully committed to Sesko, having already agreed personal terms with him.
Current Red Devil Rasmus Hojlund, who also scored 26 goals during this period, underscores the gap between him and Sesko. Despite not being entirely goal-shy since his £72m move to Old Trafford in 2023, the Dane has struggled to meet high expectations.
Now, it seems likely that Sesko will join United, and Hojlund is reportedly prepared for the possibility of being pushed out if the Slovenian signs. Just two seasons after his £72m transfer, Hojlund could be available for as little as £30m, less than half of what was originally paid for him.
However, during United's pre-season tour of the US, Hojlund expressed optimism about his future, stating: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.
"I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game.
"I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that.
"Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."