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Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United
Luke Davies
Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United
Manchester United have exploited a little-known loophole which could allow them to pip Newcastle United to the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko, 22, has been heavily linked with both Newcastle and Manchester United in recent days.
The Magpies have registered two bids, with the second reportedly worth £69.7m, which could rise to £75m with potential add-ons. The Red Devils also tabled an official bid of £73.8m on Tuesday (August 5).
Reports from German outlet BILD claim that the Slovenian forward has made assurances to both clubs about joining them this summer.
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However, based on a report from The Athletic, Man United are “closing in” on a deal for Sesko, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig during the 2024/25 campaign.
And given United’s well-documented fragile financial position, you may be wondering how the club can afford to buy the player.
Well, there’s an explanation.
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United’s first summer signing, Matheus Cunha, arrived for a fee of £62.5m from Wolves in June. And according to The Athletic, his transfer fell into the 2024/25 accounting period.
Overall, United outlaid £343.5m on player registrations during the period - the third-highest single-season mark in English football history, although this will likely be passed by Liverpool this term.
United’s transfer spending is reportedly expensed across the total length of a player’s deal. A proposed deal for Sesko will likely be organised in the same way.
As reported by BBC Sport, United’s financial position has improved due to Marcus Rashford’s £325,000 per week salary being covered by loan club Barcelona, while they also received £5m from Chelsea after the Blues pulled out of a permanent deal for Jadon Sancho.
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The club have also received £15m in payments from sell-on clauses inserted into deals involving Anthony Elanga, Alvaro Carreras and Maxi Oyedele.
The Red Devils have also welcomed Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a fee of up to £71m, while 18-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon joined the club.
So, who else could United sign?
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Well, there have been tentative links with several players, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
On Sunday, following the 2-2 Premier League Summer Series draw against Everton, United skipper Bruno Fernandes explained how the side “needed more competition for the players” currently at the club and revealed how he hopes they “can get one or two players more to help”.