Manchester United have placed Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins high on their striker shortlist as the club prioritises a major attacking reinforcement this summer.
With the new Premier League season fast approaching, United are determined to secure a reliable goalscorer to complement Rasmus Højlund and bolster the squad’s firepower. Šeško, who recently signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, remains a long-term target admired for his physicality, finishing ability, and potential.Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins has also emerged as a serious candidate following his impressive form with Aston Villa, where he played a pivotal role in their Champions League qualification. United’s recruitment team is carefully weighing both options as they prepare to open formal negotiations, knowing that any deal will likely require significant investment.The club is keen to finalise a decision soon to ensure the new striker can integrate into the squad during pre-season preparations.Tools
Manchester United’s striker hunt is heating up as the club looks to reinforce the frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have yet to deliver consistent goal-threat, prompting Rúben Amorim to explore proven alternatives. Two names leading the charge: **Benjamin Šeško** and **Ollie Watkins**.
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### 🧐 Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
* **Longstanding Target**: United have tracked Šeško for over a year, admiring his blend of size, technique, and finishing ability. He remains a clear name on their shortlist. ([Talksport][1])
* **Contract Update**: Šeško recently extended with Leipzig until **2029**, and reports suggest he can leave for around **£63–75 million** if the valuation is met. ([Reddit][2])
* **Priority Role**: He remains Amorim’s number-one ambition for the No. 9 slot—especially with Arsenal moving closer to signing Viktor Gyökeres, potentially freeing up Šeško as United’s leading option. ([Talksport][1])
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### ⚽ Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
* **Premier League Proven**: Watkins scored **16 goals and provided 8 assists** in the 2024/25 season, and is Villa’s all-time Premier League top scorer. His record of **75 goals in 184 league games** underscores his consistency. ([Wikipedia][3])
* **Suitability**: Amorim reportedly views Watkins as a ready-made striker who fits his high-energy system. He brings experience and adaptability, qualities United lack currently. ([TEAMtalk][4])
* **Valuation & Dialogue**: Villa have placed a **£60m asking price**, though United have hesitated over the financial side and potential lack of resale value. Talks have involved exploring player trades (e.g. Rashford proposal), but those were rebuffed. ([United In Focus][5])
* **Skepticism Exists**: Pundits like Rory Jennings cautioned that Watkins may not represent a true upgrade over Højlund, despite being consistent. Still, United executives continue discussions. ([Talksport][6])
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### 🔄 Decision Landscape: Šeško vs. Watkins
| Player | Estimated Value | Pros | Cons |
| ———– | ————— | ——————————————————— | ——————————————————– |
| **Šeško** | £63–75m | High ceiling, physical presence, fit with Amorim style | No immediate availability, higher investment needed |
| **Watkins** | £60m | Proven in PL, ready-to-go, strong work ethic and movement | Age (29), higher upfront cost with limited resale upside |
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### 🔄 What’s Next?
* **Priority remains Šeško**, but Arsenal’s progress on Gyökeres influences United’s approach.
* **Watkins is the fallback** if Šeško proves unattainable, offering continuity and Premier League savvy.
* **Timing is key** — United aim to finalize decisions soon to allow the new striker to integrate during remaining pre-season fixtures.
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### 🔮 Final Take
* Šeško offers long-term transformative potential, while Watkins delivers an immediate, proven solution.
* Given United’s pressing need for goals, the decision likely hinges on budgets, sales, and availability in the coming days.
Let me know if you’d like a **tactical projection showing how each striker fits United’s starting XI under Amorim** — or a **comparison of their recent stats and profiles**.
* [Talksport](https://talksport.com/football/3396863/benjamin-sesko-man-utd-transfer-news-arsenal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [aftonbladet.se](https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/yEoo1x?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Talksport](https://talksport.com/football/3338890/man-utd-ollie-watkins-rasmus-hojlund-transfer-news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[2]: https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1de0gtj?utm_source=chatgpt.com “[Official] Benjamin Sesko has extended his contract with RB Leipzig until 2029.”
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollie_Watkins?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ollie Watkins”
[4]: https://www.teamtalk.com/news/ollie-watkins-man-utd-ruben-amorim-aston-villa?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Man Utd transfer news: Ruben Amorim ‘wants’ £60m exemplary striker to complete exciting ‘vision’”
[5]: https://www.unitedinfocus.com/transfer-news/man-utd-transfer-news-rumours-as-douglas-luizs-price-tag-is-now-set-and-ollie-watkins-interest-hit-with-roadblock/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Man Utd transfer news & rumours as Douglas Luiz’s price tag is now set and Ollie Watkins interest hit with roadblock”
[6]: https://talksport.com/football/3338890/man-utd-ollie-watkins-rasmus-hojlund-transfer-news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Man United told to avoid signing 16-goal Premier League striker as replacement for Rasmus Hojlund”
