Warnings issued to Benjamin Sesko: Lack of exceptional goal-scoring record predicted for Manchester United and Newcastle United
In the ongoing transfer market saga, Manchester United and Newcastle United are locked in a fierce competition for the signature of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old, standing at 6'5" and boasting a prolific goal-scoring record, has caught the eye of both Premier League clubs following a successful season in the Bundesliga.
Sesko, who has netted 21 goals in all competitions, including 8 in the Champions League and German Cup, is a technical powerhouse with an impressive finishing ability. However, former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has raised concerns about Sesko's ability to be a prolific scorer in the Premier League.
Townsend's doubts centre around Sesko's inconsistency, decision-making, and positioning. In the 2021-2022 season, Sesko posted a non-penalty expected goals total of 8.31, a rate of 0.31 xG per 90 minutes, which is comparable to fringe Premier League forwards. His scoring pattern shows sharp streaks of goals but also long barren spells, indicating issues with maintaining form and confidence during a full campaign.
Moreover, Sesko's duel success rate is modest for a physical striker, and his shot volume is relatively low. townsend suggests that improving in these areas, along with managing form over a full season, will be essential for Sesko to fulfil his potential.
If Sesko were to join Newcastle, Alexander Isak may leave the club, but it's unclear if Yoane Wissa may still arrive to partner him. Newcastle made a club record £70m plus add-ons bid for Sesko, while Manchester United's initial offer was £65.1m plus £8.7m in add-ons.
Townsend sees potential for Sesko to connect with summer arrivals Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha at Manchester United. He suggests that Sesko, Mbuemo, and Cunha could play together in a back-three system with Ruben Amorim. However, the outcome of the transfer battle between the two clubs is still uncertain, and it is not specified whether Sesko has made a decision about which club he will join.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund's future with Manchester United may be in doubt if Sesko signs. Hojlund, who joined United in 2023, has been criticized for his inability to hold up and link play with his teammates when leading the line.
As the transfer deadline approaches, both clubs are expected to submit new bids for Sesko this week. The race to secure the promising striker's signature is set to intensify, with the Premier League giants eager to strengthen their attacking options for the upcoming season.
- Despite the intense competition from Manchester United, Newcastle United has made a club-record bid for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko in the ongoing transfer market saga.
- Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record in European-leagues such as the Champions League and German Cup has caught the attention of both Premier League clubs, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
- Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has expressed concerns about Sesko's ability to thrive in the Premier League, particularly his inconsistency, decision-making, and positioning.
- If Sesko were to join Newcastle, he could potentially form a formidable partnership with Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha under a back-three system with Ruben Amorim, according to Townsend's suggestions.
- As the transfer deadline approaches, both Manchester United and Newcastle United are expected to submit new bids for Sesko, intensifying the race to secure the promising striker's signature for the upcoming season in sports like MMA, football, and the Champions League.
