The intricate and often unpredictable world of football transfers has thrown up a remarkable tale of how a non-league club's cup heroics inadvertently derailed a mega-money move for one of Europe's most sought-after talents.
Manchester United's protracted pursuit of Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, then of Red Bull Salzburg, hit a catastrophic and unforeseen roadblock in the spring of 2022, all thanks to the exploits of Grimsby Town. The Mariners' fairytale FA Cup run, which saw them defeat a string of higher-division opponents, created a scheduling conflict of epic proportions for the Red Devils.
The Fixture Pile-Up That Scuppered The Deal
United's plans for a decisive transfer meeting were thrown into disarray when their Premier League clash with Liverpool, initially set for a free weekend, was forcibly rescheduled. This was a direct consequence of Liverpool's own fixture list being congested by their continued involvement in the FA Cup, a competition they remained in precisely because Grimsby Town had been eliminated.
The domino effect was brutal for United. The crucial window to negotiate with Šeško and his representatives, a period painstakingly carved out in a packed calendar, vanished overnight. This administrative nightmare provided the perfect opening for German giants RB Leipzig to swoop in.
Leipzig's Lightning Strike
With United stuck navigating their rescheduled match against Liverpool, RB Leipzig moved with ruthless efficiency. The Bundesliga side secured a deal with Red Bull Salzburg, tying Šeško down to a pre-contract agreement that would see him move to Germany in the summer of 2023. The transfer, worth a potential £55 million, was a devastating blow to United's long-term recruitment strategy.
This left United empty-handed, forced to watch their primary striking target slip through their fingers, all while a National League team from Lincolnshire continued its unlikely cup adventure.
Šeško's Meteoric Rise Continues
Since the move, Benjamin Šeško's stock has only risen. The 6'5" forward has taken the Bundesliga by storm, showcasing a blend of physical power, technical grace, and a lethal eye for goal that has made him one of the most exciting young prospects in world football.
His current release clause, reported to be in the region of £55 million, continues to make him a tantalising prospect for top clubs across Europe, including a still-interested Manchester United. Yet, they will forever rue the day the fixture computer conspired against them, aided by the brave efforts of Grimsby Town.
