A Sesko repeat: INEOS plot record move to sign £100m + star for Man Utd
Manchester United are a club who have become known for splashing the cash in the transfer market over recent years, in an attempt to edge closer to their former Premier League glory.
The Red Devils have shelled out over £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022, with various managers being backed by the hierarchy at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim was the latest manager in such a line, with the 40-year-old handed over £200m in the recent summer alone to try and resurrect his career in Manchester.
However, it appears that such a move was to no avail, especially after he was handed his marching orders and sacked from his position earlier in the week.
His dismissal may have come as a shock, but the hierarchy are still targeting added reinforcements during the ongoing January window to hand his replacement the best chance of success.
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The need for investment in the United squad has been there for everyone to see in 2025/26, with the club still short of quality in numerous key areas of the squad.
The Red Devils’ midfield department still appears somewhat light in real star quality, something which the board have tried to rectify with a pursuit of Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
During the summer, Amorim made it clear he wanted to sign the Cameroonian international, but even after the manager’s departure, it appears the hierarchy are continuing with the pursuit – but any deal could cost over £100m.
The youngster isn’t the only player on their radar who could cost a small fortune this winter, with RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande another star currently being pursued.
According to TEAMtalk, United are just one of a number of sides keen on a move for the teenage winger who already has six league goals in just 14 appearances.
It also states that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are closely monitoring the forward, who only joined his current side six months ago.
However, like Baleba, it would be a huge statement of intent from the board, with the Bundesliga side slapping a price tag of over £100m on the attacker’s head – a deal that would break United’s record.
Why Diomande would be a Sesko repeat for United
As part of the club’s recent spending spree last summer, United paid a staggering £74m for the signature of Benjamin Sesko to finally end their hunt for a new centre-forward.
Given the nature of the fee, the Red Devils fanbase were no doubt excited about the prospect of the Slovenian international, but his move hasn’t fully lived up to its full potential as of yet.
The 22-year-old has featured in 17 league outings so far this campaign, but has only managed to find the back of the net on four occasions – the third highest of any player in the squad.
However, Sesko registered his first double for the club during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley – which could ignite the flame for the talisman during his time at Old Trafford.
Patience will no doubt need to be handed his way before he secures the hearts of the fans, but he’s certainly demonstrated glimpses of his quality in recent months.
He could benefit from the move to land Diomande during the current window, with the Ivorian star potentially following in his footsteps in the near future.
If he does move to the Premier League, it would be a repeat of Sesko, with the Red Devils hierarchy forking out a huge fee to land a star from German side RB Leipzig.
His incredible stats from his breakout season in the Bundesliga highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet – potentially having the tools to provide the goods for Sesko on a consistent basis.
Diomande, who’s been dubbed the “best in the business” by talent scout Wasi, has completed 6.3 progressive carries and 4.3 successful take-ons in the Bundesliga this season.
Yan Diomande – Bundesliga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
14
Goals & assists
8
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive carries
6.3
Successful take-ons
4.3
Key passes
1.4
Passes into 18-yard box
1.4
Carries into final third
3.9
Carries into the 18-yard box
3.4
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase his phenomenal ability to glide past the opposition and create a problem at any given opportunity for any player who tries to stand in his way. It also shines a light on why The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor noted that Diomande is “physically similar” to United target Antoine Semenyo.
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However, he’s also been able to add the end product to his runs in Leipzig this season, as seen by his superb tally of 1.4 key passes and 1.4 passes into the opposition box per 90.
The aforementioned figures could hugely benefit Sesko in the long-term, with the striker potentially getting on the end of the winger’s darting runs into the opposition box.
Diomande’s quality in possession is further demonstrated with his tally of 3.4 carries into the final third per 90, which could inject needed pace into the current Red Devils attack.
Whilst any move would be a huge gamble on the United hierarchy’s part, it’s one that could turn out to be a masterstroke if the youngster continues on his current trajectory.
A partnership of Diomande and Sesko at United is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the duo having the chance to write a new history for the club alongside one another and under the latest manager.
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