Manchester United look set to complete their third big-money signing of the summer transfer window, after a deal was agreed with RB Leipzig for striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 22-year-old has been subject to a tug-of-war battle between Ruben Amorim’s side and Newcastle United over the last couple of weeks – leaving the player with a decision to make.
However, the Slovenian international has made the decision to make the move to Old Trafford, after the Red Devils had a £74m bid, including add-ons, accepted earlier this week.
He joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at the Theatre of Dreams this window, taking the club’s spending during the off-season to a staggering £207.5m.
The board have certainly backed the manager in his quest for success at the club, potentially doing so once again on another key target before the market slams shut on September 1st.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Fiorentina centre-back Pietro Comuzzo has emerged as a potential defensive reinforcement for United this summer, after scouting the Italian in recent months.
It’s reported that the Serie A side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £35m to sell the 20-year-old, who also has admirers from fellow Premier League sides Sunderland and Bournemouth.
However, he’s not the player who’s currently in their sights, with Brighton star Carlos Baleba another talent they’re considering, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He claimed in his latest update with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist claimed that the Red Devils have held talks with the player’s intermediaries over a potential move to the club.
The Italian also stated that the player himself would be keen on a deal to join Amorim’s side, but it would be a tricky deal to complete, given his current £100m asking price.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Cunha
As previously mentioned, Cunha is just one of the players to complete a huge move to join United this summer, costing a whopping £62.5m from divisional rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Brazilian will provide the added quality the club have greatly lacked in attacking areas, that’s if he can replicate his form from the previous campaign, which saw him net 15 league goals.
He’s likely to operate in the number ten position alongside Mbeumo and in behind Sesko, with the trio a real force to be reckoned with ahead of the 2025/26 season.
However, if Cunha is to reach his full potential under Amorim’s guidance, he will need support from players behind him to help him in his quest throughout his time at the club.
Baleba, who’s primarily a ball-winning midfielder, has also showcased his talents in possession for the Seagulls in recent seasons, arguably being the missing piece in the Red Devils’ puzzle.
The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, won 2.7 tackles per 90 last season – enabling him to break up the play before playing into forward areas.
He registered 4.1 progressive passes per 90, 3.7 of which were into the final third, tallies which could provide Cunha with the tools he needs to create carnage in front of goal.
Games played
34
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
4.1
Tackles made
2.7
Interceptions made
1.6
Blocks made
1.6
Aerials won
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.7
His superb ability with the ball at his feet is further showcased by his 87% pass completion rate in 2024/25, which has seen him break the lines and contribute to his aforementioned tallies in forward areas.
The Brighton star also ranked in the top 20% of all central defensive midfielders in England’s top-flight for successful take-ons – further affirming his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s territory at any given opportunity.
Should Baleba manage to replicate his figures from his recent year at the AMEX, he could make a huge difference in the Red Devils’ quest for success at both ends of the pitch.
His ability to link up with Cunha would certainly improve the club’s situation in the final third, allowing one of the other big-money additions to prove his worth throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
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