Rasmus Hojlund Transfer: Manchester United Open to £30m Sale Amid Sesko Pursuit

Manchester United are reportedly ready to part ways with striker Rasmus Hojlund for £30 million, just a year after signing him from Atalanta. Despite his recent performance and public desire to remain at Old Trafford, the club’s transfer plans and financial considerations are putting the young Danish forward’s future in serious doubt.

Hojlund’s United Journey: A Brief Recap

Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal believed to be worth around £64 million. Touted as a long-term solution to United’s striker woes, the Danish international showed flashes of brilliance during his debut season but often struggled to find consistency in a team undergoing transition.

Fast forward to the present, Hojlund recently scored twice in a pre-season fixture against Bournemouth in Chicago, reminding fans and critics of his potential. Following the match, he confidently told reporters that he wishes to remain at United, emphasizing his commitment despite swirling transfer rumours and competition from new attacking targets.

Benjamin Sesko: The Catalyst for Change

While Hojlund may be determined to stay, United’s pursuit of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko is changing the landscape. The 22-year-old RB Leipzig forward has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils. United see Sesko as a rising star with the physicality and technical ability to lead their frontline in the years ahead.

Newcastle United are also reportedly in the race for Sesko’s signature, but they have yet to reach an agreement with Leipzig. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford if given the choice, giving Manchester United a significant advantage.

Financial Fair Play Pressures

Despite spending heavily this summer—nearly £130 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha—Manchester United remain under pressure to stay compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. According to sources, while United technically could complete the Sesko deal before offloading players, departures will likely be necessary to balance the books and make room for new signings.

This is where Hojlund comes into the equation.

If Sesko were to arrive at Old Trafford, Hojlund would almost certainly be relegated to a secondary role or even find himself out of the first-team plans entirely. To avoid stagnation in the squad and navigate financial regulations, the club is now willing to listen to offers for Hojlund—reportedly valuing him at around £30 million.

Potential Loss on Investment

Selling Hojlund for £30 million would represent a financial loss for Manchester United. Given that he is only two years into a five-year contract, his current book value is estimated at £43 million. Offloading him at a lower price would force the club to write off a loss in their financial statements—a move that underscores the urgency of their financial balancing act.

Despite this, club officials seem to recognize that some sacrifices may be necessary to make room for fresh talent and realign the squad under manager Erik ten Hag’s vision for the future.

What Happens Next?

At this stage, the situation remains fluid. Hojlund is still a United player and has made it clear he wants to stay. However, with the club prioritizing a deal for Sesko and needing to adhere to strict financial rules, his departure is becoming an increasingly likely outcome.

A move could benefit Hojlund too. A transfer to a club that guarantees him more playing time and trust could reignite his career and allow him to develop without the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for Manchester United.

On the flip side, United fans are divided. While many acknowledge Hojlund’s raw potential and believe he hasn’t been given a fair shot, others are eager to see a more proven striker like Sesko take charge of the team’s attacking responsibilities.

Conclusion: A Defining Summer for United's Attack

Manchester United are clearly in the midst of an attacking reshuffle. The possible acquisition of Benjamin Sesko and the likely departure of Rasmus Hojlund are key indicators of a broader strategy to build a more effective, balanced squad. While fans may lament the early departure of a young talent like Hojlund, financial realities and performance expectations often force clubs into tough decisions.

Whether or not Hojlund stays, this summer is proving to be a critical juncture for United’s forward line. The coming weeks will reveal how far the club is willing to go to secure Sesko and whether Hojlund will be another casualty in their ongoing rebuild.