Manchester United have been forced to enter the market in search of a striker following speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
The 37-year-old has asked to leave the club this summer but whether that wish is granted is still up in the air. Ronaldo was named in starting lineup for Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
Erik ten Hag has been made to do without the club’s talisman for most of pre-season and now, it’s claimed that a move for Bundesliga star Sala Kalajdzic is being considered.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who add that Benjamin Sesko, the RB Salzburg forward, is also of interest to the Old Trafford hierarchy.
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Kalajdzic scored six league goals in 15 appearances for Stuttgart last season and as per the report, it would take £17m to sign him this summer. Sesko is valued at a whopping £55m by Salzburg.
United’s interest in the pair comes after Ajax demanded £80m for winger Antony – a player Ten Hag is familiar with and has been keen to bring with him to United.
SN’s verdict…
What happens to Ronaldo is anyone’s guess. As things stand, it looks like he could very well end up staying at the club but even if that’s the case, the club should consider signing another striker.
Ronaldo is the only out-and-out striker at the club, despite Anthony Martial’s efforts during pre-season. Martial is also injury prone, as we have learned over the years.
If Ronaldo stays, it will also be his final season at Old Trafford and a replacement will be needed next summer – it would benefit everyone at the club if that replacement was signed 12 months earlier.
