Manchester United are navigating Premier League Financial Sustainability Rules (PSR) to secure the £70m transfer of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko without the need to offload players from their so-called ‘bomb squad,’ including Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Here’s how they can afford this blockbuster move while remaining within their financial limits.
Man Utd’s Move for Benjamin Sesko: A Financial Puzzle Solved
Manchester United are keen on adding RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to their squad, but there has been uncertainty about whether they could afford the £70m ($93m) transfer under Premier League Financial Sustainability Rules (PSR). Initially, it was thought that the Red Devils would need to offload high-profile players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia to make room for the move. However, recent reports suggest that United are making progress without having to sell key players just yet.
How Man Utd Can Afford Sesko Without Major Sales
According to Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are managing their finances through a series of strategic moves. Firstly, Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona has been a huge help, with the Spanish club covering his £14m ($19m) salary for the season. This has immediately freed up substantial funds, which United can now use for new signings. Additionally, United saved money during the second half of last season when both Rashford and Antony were out on loan.
Even though United’s big-money signings from 2022, like Casemiro and Antony, still weigh on their books, they’re not part of the new three-year PSR cycle, giving the club more flexibility this summer. Furthermore, payments for new signings such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are being spread across several years, easing the financial burden.
Other Key Financial Moves
Another significant factor is the mass redundancies among non-football staff, which have helped raise the PSR ceiling. This cost-saving measure allows the club to navigate the rules more effectively, giving them breathing room for a Sesko deal. United’s financial strategists are making it clear that although the club still intends to offload some of their senior players, they are not in a position where they absolutely need to sell players like Garnacho or Sancho before finalizing a move for Sesko.
What’s Next for United and Sesko?
As United continue to pursue Sesko, they remain in a tight race with Newcastle for the striker’s signature. With just under two weeks left until the Premier League season begins, United are under pressure to wrap up the deal if they want Sesko to be available for the opening game. If they manage to beat Newcastle to the punch, it will mark a significant shift in the forward line under new manager Ruben Amorim, who is predicted to deploy Cunha and Mbeumo as split No.10s behind a central striker.
United’s financial maneuvering is crucial to securing Sesko’s services, and with the recent changes to their budget, it looks like the deal could go ahead without the need for major player sales.
