Manchester United may already be casting glances at alternatives despite only just completing the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer. The Slovenian striker arrived over the summer to lead a remodelled frontline, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo recruited to support him. Yet Sesko’s wait for a first goal in United colours has raised questions over whether the club need a more experienced forward to ease the burden.
Reports in Italy from Gazzetta.it suggest that Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has resurfaced as a potential target. The Serbian has long been on United’s radar, but a deal has never come close to materialising. With his contract running down and Juve keen to avoid losing him for free, the Turin club could be ready to sanction a move in January, even though he remains their top scorer with six goals and one assist from eight appearances this term.
Another Striker?
For United, the logic is obvious. They have taken punts on young strikers before and seen the weight of expectation stifle their progress. Sesko is only 22, and while he has the frame and physicality to succeed, the comparisons with Rasmus Hojlund’s difficult adaptation are unavoidable. A more established centre forward alongside him could both add goals and allow the youngster to develop at his own pace.
Juventus themselves have planned for life after Vlahovic, bringing in Jonathan David on a free and snapping up Lois Openda from Leipzig late in the window. Their willingness to cash in : Driven less by footballing concerns and more by Finances. Vlahovic earns a staggering €12m a year, boosted by loyalty bonuses, making him the highest-paid player in Serie A by some distance. That wage, more than any fee, has deterred suitors in the past.
Striker Market has dried up!
United’s need, however, is pressing. The goals have dried up too often, and the attack remains reliant on moments of individual quality from the same Bruno Fernandes, the same Kobbie Mainoo, rather than sustained threat. A forward like Vlahovic, proven in Serie A and with Champions League experience, could change the dynamic immediately.
The wider striker market also complicates matters. A decent number of clubs in the top five leagues are still struggling to find value for money, with even unproven names being valued at astronomical fees. The lack of genuine elite centre forwards means demand far outweighs supply, which is why United have often been forced to gamble on potential rather than certainty. In this context, a player of Vlahovic’s profile being available at a relatively low fee could represent rare value.
It is also true that inflated price tags have slowed United’s rebuild in attack. Sesko’s hefty fee shows how much the club are paying to try and secure the next big thing, yet without guarantees of success. Someone like Vlahovic, already experienced and entering his prime years, could bridge that gap and provide the goals to keep United competitive while the younger forwards continue to develop. Chelsea also show interest in Vlahovic, so if United want to stand a chance, they’ve to act. And quick.