Benjamin Sesko has completed his move to Manchester United in a deal worth £73.7 million including add ons.
United will hope the 22 year old can fulfil the immense potential many believe he has and justify his hefty price tag.
Although still raw as a striker, Sesko boasts all the attributes to develop into one of the games elite forwards.
Standing at 6ft 5in, he is dominant in the air whether attacking crosses in the box or contesting long balls.
His athleticism also allows him to run in behind and create separation from defenders.
Technically, Sesko is not yet fully refined as he can look slightly awkward in tight spaces, but he has powerful ball striking and a secure first touch, enabling him to drop deep and link play effectively.
However, his arrival could cast doubt over Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford.
United are still targeting a goalkeeper and a midfielder before the transfer window closes but funds will need to be raised.
With Sesko now in the squad, Hojlunds game time is likely to diminish and there is growing belief he could be on the way out.
That raises the question: if United do generate enough funds, who will be the next signing after Sesko?
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Senne Lammens
With both United first team goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana struggling for form last season, the position quickly became a priority for Ruben Amorim.
Onana made several costly mistakes, losing United valuable points and disrupting any momentum the team tried to build.
Amorim will be desperate for a reliable number one to provide stability at the back.
One of the club’s key targets is 23-year-old Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The Belgian is still young but has already shown real potential.
He enjoyed an excellent campaign last season, catching the attention of clubs across Europe with his sharp shot stopping and quick reflexes.
While he can occasionally be vulnerable to aerial deliveries into the box, Lammens fits the ideal age profile to develop and grow at United.
Although he would likely begin as a backup, he has the quality to push Onana for the starting role in the near future.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Another key target for United is Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The PSG goalkeeper is reportedly set to leave the club this summer after they secured his replacement in Lucas Chevalier.
Donnarumma is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, and at just 26 years old, he still has room to develop while providing United with a long-term first choice option.
However, he would represent a far more expensive signing than Senne Lammens.
United have yet to make their decision, and much will depend on whether they can offload one of their current first team goalkeepers and how much they are willing to allocate to their midfield target.
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba has emerged as Manchester United’s top transfer target.
The Brighton midfielder is expected to command a fee in excess of £100 million, but United are confident he is open to the move and are set to begin talks in the coming days.
There are few players for whom the club would consider paying such a sum, but they believe Baleba could be a transformative presence in the team for the next decade.
At just 21 years old, Baleba is already one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders and still has plenty of room to develop.
Physically, he is outstanding – capable of winning duels, covering large areas of the pitch, and sustaining high intensity throughout matches.
This is vital in Ruben Amorim’s midfield two, especially if Bruno Fernandes occupies the other role.
The holding midfielder must be able to press high, cover wide spaces in settled possession, and help defend against transitions, qualities Baleba possesses in abundance.
However, Baleba is far more than just an athlete.
Technically, he is among the best ball carriers in the world, able to receive possession deep and drive forward with purpose.
While his progressive passing could still improve, his combination of physical and technical ability makes him a rare profile.
The deal will be difficult to pull off, but United are prepared to keep pushing until the end of the window.
Outgoings, however, are likely required before any formal bid can be made for the talented midfielder.
