Nicolas Jackson: Man United eye move but face steep valuation | OneFootball

With the Bryan Mbeumo deal sealed, attention now shifts to Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker.

Keen to overhaul his faltering frontline, head coach Ruben Amorim is executing a complete attacking revamp.

Having already recruited two playmaking number 10s in Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, the final piece of the puzzle is a reliable number nine.

Sesko or Jackson?

According to transfer insider Florian Plettenberg, INEOS have settled on a two-man striker shortlist.

“There are talks with interested clubs, and it is our understanding that Man Utd are targeting him (Sesko); he is one of two candidates to be their new No. 9. The other is Nicolas Jackson,” said the European transfer guru via Sky Sport.

Sesko is widely regarded as the ideal addition, as he is dynamic in the box, blessed with pace, athleticism, and aerial prowess.

Not quite the finished article, but his return of 21 goals in 45 matches last season suggests enormous potential once he reaches his ceiling.

United have monitored the Slovenian long before his Leipzig switch, and his signing would be nothing short of a dream scenario.

It is even suggested that Christopher Vivell (who worked at Leipzig) is pushing Amorim to green-light the move.

Jackson, meanwhile, is viewed more as an opportunistic signing.

Yes, his ability to drive counter-attacks and carry the ball is impressive, but his finishing remains frustratingly erratic.

Some argue that if he were clinical, he would have scored more than the 13 goals he racked up last season.

Following Chelsea’s acquisitions of Joao Pedro and United target Liam Delap, there is speculation Jackson might be deemed surplus to requirements.

Jackson’s availability, combined with the fact that he was likely to be available at a lower price tag, made him an appealing option.

Even so, fresh claims over his valuation may yet force United to reconsider, despite the player’s apparent openness to a move, given his preference to remain in the Premier League.

Jackson’s asking price

“Chelsea value Nicolas Jackson at between £80m and £100m, with Manchester United among Premier League clubs keeping an eye on him,” says Sky Sports‘ Kaveh Solhekol.

“Chelsea are under no pressure to sell, as he has eight years left on his contract. The £79m Liverpool are paying for Hugo Ekitike would be used as a benchmark.”

Whilst the Blues slap on an ambitious asking price, Sesko remains available via a release clause of around €80 million (£68 million), a figure INEOS may be more inclined to meet for a long-standing target with a notably higher ceiling.

Having endured a season of missed chances due to Hojlund’s inconsistencies, United might reconsider risking another striker with similar flaws (Jackson), especially when a forward likened to Erling Haaland is within reach.

It is now a matter of who Amorim believes is worth the investment.

Either way, United’s attack is about to take its final shape, and it could be bad news, but not for United.

Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

online polls

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social