As Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko, another transfer which may have derailed their efforts is now not happening
Manchester United are battling Newcastle United for Benjamin Sesko(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
Manchester United have received a transfer boost as Benjamin Sesko’s team-mate Lois Openda will not be moving to Sunderland.
The Red Devils have been pursuing a move for Sesko throughout the summer and are currently battling Newcastle United for his signature. While those rumours were ongoing, there were frequent reports saying the RB Leipzig star’s colleague, Openda – who has also been linked with United in the past – was of interest to Sunderland.
The Belgian is also a forward so if the Black Cats did manage to sign him, it would have made the task of signing Sesko even more difficult, as the Bundesliga side would surely not be willing to part with both centre-forwards this summer. However, in what is good news for United, Openda will not be joining the Black Cats.
Sky Sports have confirmed the 25-year-old will not be moving to the Stadium of Light, stating the newly Premier League side are not interested in his services. With Openda seemingly staying put, Ole Werner’s side will likely be more willing to listen to offers for Sesko.
Newcastle were the first side to bid for the striker, tabling a bid worth just under £70m, according to the Chronicle. This was quickly rejected by Leipzig, who are holding out for a bidding war between interested parties.
The Slovenian contributed 22 goals in all competitions last season and is widely considered to be one of the best young players on the continent. Reports from Slovenia recently claimed Sesko was leaning towards a move to Newcastle, but he is now understood to be considering his options.
United have already seen targets such as Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike opt to join Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Ruben Amorim has managed to add to his frontline with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arriving this summer.
Openda will not be joining Sunderland(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
However, it’s no secret the Portuguese manager wants to add a new out-and-out centre-forward to his frontline. Last season, United only scored 44 goals in the Premier League, with only Everton and relegated Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton recording worse tallies in front of goal.
United are also still looking to offload Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, having recently sent Marcus Rashford on loan to Barcelona. Meanwhile, United striker Rasmus Hojlund has said he wants to remain at the club and fight for his place.
While there have been some impressive moments for the Dane, his form has so far left plenty to be desired, since he arrived from Atalanta for £72m in the summer of 2023. Hojlund said: “I think my plan is very clear and that’s for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me.
Amorim has been focussing on his forward line this summer(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp, so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.
“I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22. But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game.”
United recently drew 2-2 with Everton in the Premier League Summer Series in the USA. Amorim’s side led twice through goals from Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, but the Toffees equalised on both occasions, with Iliman Ndiaye and an own goal from Ayden Heaven.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.