Manchester United are prepared to let Rasmus Højlund leave Old Trafford this summer, just two years after making him their £72 million marquee signing, as Benjamin Sesko edges closer to becoming the focal point of Ruben Amorim’s attack.
Højlund, 22, has slipped down the pecking order since Amorim’s mid-season arrival, with the Dane finding himself behind new recruits Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The imminent £66.4 million signing of Sesko from RB Leipzig – rising to £73.8 million with add-ons – all but seals the young striker’s demotion.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are keen to bring Højlund back to Serie A, initially on loan, with an obligation to buy built into the deal. Such a structure would allow the Rossoneri to stagger payments rather than commit to an immediate lump sum.
Højlund’s spell in Manchester has been mixed. Signed from Atalanta in 2023, he has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances, showing flashes of promise but struggling for sustained impact in a turbulent side. A return to Italy could offer the pacey forward a fresh platform to reignite his career.
Sesko’s arrival is part of a major attacking overhaul at United. Cunha joined from Wolves for £62.5 million earlier this summer, while Mbeumo arrived from Brentford in a £71 million deal. Internally, Sesko is viewed as a potential superstar after hitting 21 goals for Leipzig last season and racking up 39 strikes in 87 games since moving from Red Bull Salzburg.
United’s pursuit of the Slovenia international was conducted with an unusual level of discretion, allowing Newcastle United to set the early pace in negotiations. The Magpies twice tried to land Sesko as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, but the striker’s preference for Old Trafford proved decisive.
Isak, meanwhile, remains a top target for Liverpool, who have already seen a £110 million bid rebuffed. Newcastle will not consider further talks until they have a successor lined up – though United’s swift move for Sesko has effectively removed them from the race.
For Højlund, the writing may now be on the wall. Two years after arriving as the future of United’s frontline, he could be heading back to Italy with unfinished business.
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