Hojlund’s Future In Doubt As Sesko Pursuit Intensifies
Manchester United are weighing up the possibility of moving on Rasmus Hojlund should Benjamin Sesko complete a summer transfer to Old Trafford. The development could see the Danish striker pushed out despite his desire to remain and fight for his place. Reports in MailSport suggested that Hojlund is expected to depart in some form if United manage to secure a new forward. The club is understood to be open to either a permanent sale or a loan arrangement, the latter seen as a way to reignite his form after a disappointing campaign. If Sesko does arrive, United would be left with a narrow window of around four weeks to arrange an exit for Hojlund and several other players on the so-called ‘bomb squad’. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are all awaiting firm offers, with decisions on their futures likely to follow in quick succession.
Offloading Hojlund would go directly against his personal stance. The forward has been clear that he intends to stay and fight for his position, even if that means being limited to fewer appearances next season. His comments came after he featured and scored in a pre-season victory over Bournemouth, where he told reporters that his plan was to remain at United and compete regardless of incoming signings. Despite his determination, the choice does not ultimately lie with him. Last season’s modest return of four Premier League goals in 32 matches has left him with limited leverage when presenting his case to the management. For INEOS, his statistics underline why alternatives in attack are being pursued.
In terms of the Sesko chase, the Slovenian is reported to favour a move to United, despite strong competition from Newcastle United. Once the striker confirms his intention to join, INEOS are expected to send an official offer to RB Leipzig. The club hopes Leipzig will respect Sesko’s preference and agree to facilitate his transfer to Manchester.
Wheatley Secures Loan Move
Elsewhere at Old Trafford, young striker Ethan Wheatley has identified his next destination in a bid to continue his development. The 19-year-old came through United’s academy and made his senior Premier League debut in April 2024, replacing Hojlund during a 4-2 win over Sheffield United. Wheatley earned a place in the senior squad last summer but found himself sidelined once Ruben Amorim took charge in November. The teenager instead featured prominently for the under-21s, scoring six goals in nine league outings, before a loan spell at Walsall in January. That stint proved unfruitful, with just four appearances and no goals before fading from the squad.
Having returned to Carrington this summer, the plan was always to arrange a fresh loan for him. According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Luca Bendoni, United have now reached an agreement with Northampton Town for him to join on loan for the 2025/26 season. All parties are said to have agreed on the terms of the deal, with an official announcement expected shortly. Wheatley will therefore spend the season in League One, the third tier of English football, under the management of former Bolton captain Kevin Nolan, who has been head coach of Northampton since December 2024.
For the teenager, the loan represents an important opportunity to prove himself and earn valuable experience after a challenging year. United’s hierarchy are hopeful that consistent playing time in League One will allow him to rediscover momentum and edge closer to fulfilling his early potential.
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