Man Utd set to activate £67m release clause to sign Bundesliga star | OneFootball

Man Utd Target Bundesliga Striker and English Goalkeeper in Summer Rebuild

Manchester United are pressing ahead with plans to reshape their squad ahead of the new season, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Burnley’s James Trafford both emerging as key targets. According to Caught Offside, United’s recruitment team is working on securing reinforcements in both attack and goalkeeping as they aim to restore their competitiveness.

Striker Search Leads to Bundesliga Star

United have long admired Sesko, having tracked him since his RB Salzburg days. The 21-year-old Slovenian has continued to impress in the Bundesliga, registering 22 goal contributions this season. With a release clause set at €80 million, he is expected to leave Germany in the summer, sparking a transfer battle among Premier League sides.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are all keen on the forward, making United’s task far from straightforward. However, should the club generate sufficient funds through player sales, they are expected to make a serious push for Sesko’s signature.

Trafford Identified as Goalkeeping Solution

James Trafford has also surfaced as a potential signing, with Newcastle leading the chase for the Burnley goalkeeper. The 22-year-old has impressed in the Championship, and Ineos are eager to recruit young English talent at reasonable prices to bolster United’s squad.

With Andre Onana’s future uncertain after an underwhelming debut season, the club is exploring alternative options. Trafford represents a promising long-term solution, but United will need to fend off competition from Newcastle and other suitors.

Photo IMAGO

Player Sales Key to Transfer Ambitions

United’s ability to secure both Sesko and Trafford depends heavily on player sales. Financial constraints and the possibility of missing out on European football next season mean the club must be pragmatic in their recruitment approach.

One of the major departures could be Marcus Rashford, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa. A £40 million deal is reportedly on the table, and should Villa activate his clause, United would have much-needed funds to reinvest in their squad.

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For Manchester United fans, this is the type of ambition they have been waiting for. The squad has lacked a reliable goal-scorer for too long, and Sesko’s arrival would bring the kind of clinical finishing and attacking presence needed to compete at the highest level. His ability to contribute across multiple attacking roles makes him an ideal signing, particularly if the club fails to secure a Champions League spot and needs to be smart in squad restructuring.

Trafford’s potential arrival also highlights a more sustainable approach to recruitment under Ineos. Onana’s inconsistency has left United vulnerable at key moments, and bringing in a young, hungry English goalkeeper could provide a stable foundation for the future. While Newcastle remain interested, United have the allure of a long-term project, which could appeal to Trafford as he seeks a step up in his career.

However, the looming question remains – will United be able to fund these deals? The reported willingness to offload Rashford signals a shift in approach, but without significant sales, acquiring both Sesko and Trafford may prove difficult. If they can navigate the financial hurdles, this could be the beginning of a much-needed reset at Old Trafford.