Chelsea made a desperate attempt to beat Manchester United to the signing of Benjamin Sesko three years before he eventually moved to Old Trafford, offering the striker “whatever he wanted” to join the Blues.
“We Could Have Had Him”: Chelsea’s Failed Three-Year Chase for Sesko Exposed
The Slovenian international finally completed a £74 million move to United last summer.
However, new details have emerged showing that the Premier League giants fought hard for his signature back in 2022.
At the time, Sesko was making a name for himself at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 18 goals in his first full season.
Manchester United quickly sat up and took notice, sending chiefs to hold talks with his representatives.
But they weren’t alone in the chase.
According to The Sun, Chelsea also launched a serious offensive to land the teenager.
Christopher Vivell, who now works in recruitment for United but was at Stamford Bridge back then, knew Sesko well from his time within the Red Bull network. He pushed hard for the transfer.
The Blues were so desperate to get a deal over the line that they presented Sesko with an incredible proposition.
They reportedly told the forward he could have “anything he wanted” to persuade him to pick west London over the alternatives.
Despite the huge temptation from Chelsea and the interest from United, Sesko and his representatives made a brave call. They decided it was too soon for him to test himself in the Premier League.
Instead of cashing in on the hype, Sesko chose the patient route. He moved to RB Leipzig, Salzburg’s sister club, to continue his development in Germany.
That patience paid off. He bagged 39 goals in two seasons, proving his quality and keeping himself on United’s radar.
United eventually triggered his release clause last summer. While he started slowly at Old Trafford, he is now flourishing under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, scoring seven goals in his last eight games.
Sesko now looks like the real deal. Chelsea’s “anything you want” offer might have failed three years ago, but United are now reaping the rewards of his patience.
