Which striker should Manchester United sign - Ollie Watkins or Benjamin Sesko?

Manchester United are desperate to add firepower up front after a very tame scoring record last season. The two hottest names linked for a move to Old Trafford this summer are Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko. It’s a decision that could define their attack for years, so let’s dive into the comparison, be ready for all things goals, cash, and Premier League pedigree, plus a look at how these moves stack up in the realm of the most expensive strikers and the best strikers in the world.

The Price Tag: Big Fees, Big Decisions

Transfers for top strikers these days aren’t cheap, and United will have to dig deep whichever way they go.

• Ollie Watkins: With Aston Villa not keen to sell, United might still get Watkins for somewhere between £40-£60 million, though Villa have set their stall out closer to the high end.
• Benjamin Sesko: The Leipzig star comes with a steeper price, around €80-90 million (£69–£78 million), according to his release clause. Leipzig has recently softened slightly, with some outlets suggesting a £60m price if a bidding war erupts.

To put those numbers in perspective: We live in times when Kylian Mbappe holds the record as the world’s most expensive striker at €180 million, and past Premier League deals like Romelu Lukaku’s £84.7 million switch to United still resonate as some of the most expensive Premier League transfers ever. Both Watkins and Sesko, while pricey, would sit below the very top bracket, making them expensive but not market-breaking signings.

Premier League Pedigree

• Watkins: United fans craving ready-made quality will be keen on Watkins’ record. The Villa star has been banging in goals year after year. With 75 goals in 184 PL appearances, his most recent campaign yielded 16 goals and eight assists. That’s 24 goal involvements, putting him firmly among the top Premier League strikers. He’s durable, proven, and thrived under Unai Emery in a variety of tactical setups.
• Sesko: The Slovenian is a Bundesliga star at Leipzig with a growing reputation. Last season, he scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches and is fast becoming one of Europe’s most intriguing young forwards. But here’s the rub: he has no Premier League experience and would need to adapt, jumping into one of the world’s toughest leagues at 22.

Style of Play: What Do They Bring?

• Watkins: Think tireless movement, physical presence, and a knack for finding space behind defences. His strength lies in his pressing, link-up play, and directness, ideal for counter-attacking setups. He thrives in high-intensity matches and has shown leadership qualities, as well as the ability to play alongside creative attackers like Bruno Fernandes.
• Sesko: Towering at 6’5”, Sesko is much more than a traditional target man. He combines aerial dominance (2.75 aerial wins per 90), great close control for his size, pace, and flashes of technical quality. He moves cleverly in the box, creates space for others, and fits well in possession-based and counter systems, an homage to both Haaland and early Lukaku.

Age, Growth & Resale Value

• Watkins: Now 29, Watkins’ window at the very top may be 2–4 more years. As a slightly older striker, his resale value is limited, but he’s a proven asset and likely delivers immediate value.
• Sesko: At 22, Sesko offers longer upside, plenty of time to gel, improve, and (in pure business terms) potentially move for a profit later, if United ever wish. He fits the modern United policy of backing youth with sky-high ceilings.

Transfer Market Context: Where Do They Rank?

Neither signing would break the records for the most expensive strikers in history. Comparatively, they would slot well below outliers like Mbappe, Joao Felix, or Harry Kane, but would still rank among the most expensive Premier League transfers of 2025, just shy of mega-signings like Bryan Mbeumo (£71 million).
And as for the “best strikers in the world” chatter? Watkins recently cracked a top-10 global list, reflecting his leap in quality, while Sesko is tipped to join that company if he continues his trajectory. Both are miles behind names like Haaland or Mbappe for now, but the gulf could close, especially for Sesko.

Verdict: Who’s The Better Fit?

• If United wants “plug-and-play” reliability, Watkins. Proven scorer, Premier League ready, understands the culture, and brings a guaranteed work rate from day one.
• If United wants a long-term bet with high upside, Sesko. He’s younger, still developing, matches the profile of the game’s next big thing, and could turn into one of the best strikers in the world if he adapts to England.

If it’s trophies United crave immediately, Watkins is the guy. But if they want to roll the dice for superstar potential, and maybe even one day sit atop the list of the world’s most expensive strikers, Benjamin Sesko could be their next headline-maker.

Let’s see which way the wind blows at Old Trafford this summer; either way, United will be chasing goals, glory, and another entry in the ever-growing list of most expensive Premier League transfers.