Benjamin Seshko has successfully completed his medical with Manchester United. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the club has finalized all transfer documents with RB Leipzig, with the deal worth €85 million awaiting official announcement. Romano stated, "Seshko will sign on Saturday morning and will then be presented at Old Trafford."
Recently, Manchester United has frequently arranged for new signings to be presented during matches, including Varane, Casemiro, and Patrick Dorrug and Eden Haiven earlier this January, who all greeted the fans at Old Trafford before their respective games. Unfortunately, Seshko will not participate in the warm-up match against Fiorentina that day, as the club needs to sort out his work permit and registration before noon next Friday for him to compete in the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
However, given that his pre-season training has not been normal and he has only trained for a few days, he is likely to be a substitute at most. If he plays, he will compete alongside Arsenal's new signing Jurrien Timber, both of whom were initially targets for the Gunners during the summer transfer window. Ultimately, Arteta opted for the 27-year-old Timber, leaving Seshko to transfer to Manchester United.
Seshko's arrival casts a shadow over the future of Manchester United's number 9, Hojlund. BBC's authoritative Simon Stone confirmed that AC Milan has reached out to him. Milan is eager to sign the 22-year-old Danish forward on a loan-to-buy basis.
A week ago, Hojlund insisted he would stay and was not afraid of competition. However, the reality is harsh; without European competition, Amorin will not rotate too much to help integrate the new signings, which means Hojlund might end up sitting on the bench. Many clubs are interested in him, and Manchester United has put him on the market, willing and eager to sell the "freighter."
Reports indicate that Milan hopes to sign him on a loan-to-buy basis. The team also lacks European competition and funds, but they are willing to pay €4 million (£3.5 million) for the loan, with an option to buy next summer for €40 million (£35 million), exceeding Manchester United's £30 million asking price. Serie A starts later than the Premier League, with Milan's first match against Cremonese on August 23, giving them time to negotiate.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Manchester United has reached a preliminary agreement with Milan to proceed with a loan-to-buy arrangement. However, they also state that both sides need to finalize the details, including the payment method for the purchase option, and Milan must gain Hojlund's personal approval.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Hojlund is open to joining Milan, and Manchester United has agreed to cover the player's wages during the loan period, which is around £80,000 per week. The report states that Milan will pay €6 million (£5.2 million) for the loan, with an option to buy for €35 million (£30 million) next year, slightly differing from the British media's claims.
One fact that can now be confirmed is that Manchester United will agree to Hojlund's departure under suitable conditions, and his agent has suggested a transfer. However, the Danish striker still harbors feelings for the "Red Devils." Romano confirmed, "Manchester United has clearly opened the door for Hojlund's loan, while Hojlund insists he wants to stay at Manchester United. Milan has contacted his agent team, with Manchester United's demands being €6 million for the loan and covering all wages."
British media assert that Hojlund will struggle to succeed at Manchester United. He not only bears the pressure of a £72 million price tag but also faces scrutiny for switching to the agency where Ten Hag's son works before the transfer. Reportedly, when Hojlund's name was mentioned, one Manchester United player shook his head, while another pointed out his low success rate in duels and that his heading and pressing levels do not meet Premier League standards. A senior Manchester United official also questioned his work efficiency.