This time last summer, Manchester United fans were understandably excited after they clinched the signing of highly-rated striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
The Dutchman joined the Red Devils in a £34m transfer, hoping to transform the club’s fortunes within the final third and subsequently take the club to the next level.
However, the club’s ambitions for a new talisman this window highlight the lack of impact the 24-year-old has achieved during his first year at Old Trafford.
He only managed seven goals in his 49 outings, but only three of his efforts came in the Premier League, ultimately failing to match the excitement generated by his arrival.
Numerous players have been linked throughout the ongoing window, which has seen Ruben Amorim personally making moves to land a new forward ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The latest in United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Ollie Watkins has been a name constantly mentioned with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but a move may be on the back burner, with other options currently being pursued.
The England international still remains as an option, but remains lower down the list, unsurprisingly so given his current £60m asking price.
Another name has subsequently been thrown into the mix, with Stuttgart talisman Nick Woltemade emerging as a potential option, according to The Sun’s latest update.
They claim that the Red Devils are currently facing a battle for the 23-year-old, who scored 17 goals across all competitions for the German outfit last summer.
The article also states that Newcastle United are also considering a move for the 6 foot 6 forward, who is valued at £40m, after his proposed transfer to Bayern Munich hit a stumbling block.
Why United’s latest target would be another Zirkzee
Benjamin Sesko is another player who’s been firmly in United’s sights this window, leading to reports claiming that the RB Leipzig striker is currently the hierarchy’s main target.
Such interest in his services is understandable given his record in the Bundesliga, with the youngster managing to score the most goals of any U21 striker in Europe last season.
His tally of 21 goals would undoubtedly hand Amorim the clinical option he’s been lacking since his appointment, but they may face an uphill battle for his signature.
Newcastle are another side constantly matching the Red Devils in the race for his signature, with both clubs trying to work out a deal for the forward who’s valued at around £78m.
Given the current asking price, other options may be pushed back up their current shortlist, leading to a potential deal for Woltemade, who is available at nearly half the price.
Interestingly, he possesses a very similar skill set to that of current first-team member Zirkzee. The pair are both towering assets at 6 foot 6 and 6 foot 4, respectively, while they are also very skilful, something which may come as a surprise given their towering frame.
Indeed, Zirkzee’s former Bologna boss Thiago Motta has previously likened him to Ronaldinho due to his prowess on the ball, while Woltemade has been compared to both Lionel Messi and Jamal Musiala for his dribbling ability.
The 23-year-old can also operate as a striker or in a slightly deeper role, whilst also having experience in Germany’s top division, just as the Dutchman possesses, given his previous spell at Bayern Munich.
However, there’s no denying that Sesko will remain the fanbase’s number one choice, but Woltemade would be just as exciting an addition, offering a cheaper alternative, but a just as impactful option based on the stats they produced last campaign.
The Stuttgart ace, who’s been labelled “unstoppable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, whilst achieving a better goal and assist per 90 rate – undoubtedly offering more of a clinical edge to the United side.
Games played
28
33
Goals & assists
14
18
Goals & assists per 90
0.78
0.68
Shot-on-target accuracy
50%
43%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
71%
67%
Key passes made
2.1
0.7
Passes into the opposition box
1.3
0.3
Take-ons completed
1.7
1.4
Carries into the opposition box
1.2
0.5
Aerials won
2.7
2.6
He also completed more key passes per 90, more of which made their way into the opposition’s penalty area, subsequently handing Amorim’s side another creative option in their hunt for added success.
Woltemade’s talents are further highlighted in his higher tally of take-ons completed, whilst winning more aerial battles per 90, which would make him the perfect all-round outlet in the final third.
Given the interest from elsewhere, Amorim’s side will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on the talented youngster’s signature – especially to a divisional rival.
Despite the huge interest in Sesko, the hierarchy desperately need to put such a move on the back burner and prioritise a summer deal for the U21 Euro top scorer.
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