Manchester United's ambitious summer plans to secure a new marquee striker have been thrown into chaos following a stunning revelation regarding target Benjamin Šeško.
The RB Leipzig forward, who has been a primary objective for manager Erik ten Hag, is now at the centre of a potential bidding war after a critical detail about his contract came to light.
The Release Clause Bombshell
While it was widely reported that Šeško's contract contained a release clause, new information suggests it is far more complex than first believed. The clause, valued between £55-£65 million, was thought to be a straightforward fee. However, it now appears the clause is not a standard buy-out option.
Instead, the mechanism is described as a 'penalty clause', a significant distinction that dramatically alters the transfer landscape. This type of clause does not force the selling club to accept an offer, but rather imposes a hefty financial penalty on them if they reject a bid that meets the stipulated value and conditions.
What This Means for Manchester United
This development is a double-edged sword for the Old Trafford hierarchy.
The Bad News: RB Leipzig are under no absolute obligation to sell. If they receive a bid that meets the clause value, they can still refuse it, but they would have to pay a substantial penalty to Šeško himself. This gives the German club a powerful incentive to drive the price even higher.
The Silver Lining: The existence of any clause still gives United a defined price to work towards, unlike a completely open negotiation. However, they now face the prospect of Leipzig inviting other offers to create an auction, knowing they will be compensated via the penalty fee if they ultimately sell to a different club.
A Summer Auction Looms
This revelation effectively puts other top European clubs on red alert. Rivals like Chelsea, Arsenal, and AC Milan, who have also been linked with the Slovenian international, now have a clear price of entry to the negotiation.
United's hopes of a swift, discreet deal for the 20-year-old sensation have been dashed. Erik ten Hag's search for a prolific number nine now looks set to descend into a protracted and expensive summer saga, with Leipzig holding most of the cards.
