Which Jersey Number Could Benjamin Sesko Claim at Manchester United?
After missing out on Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, Manchester United have shifted their focus to Benjamin Šeško as they seek to address their striker concerns.
The Red Devils witnessed Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggle in the forward role throughout last season and have pinpointed RB Leipzig's Šeško as the answer to their goal-scoring issues, with United now having secured personal terms with the 22-year-old as a move draws nearer.
They seem to have outmaneuvered Newcastle United for the Slovenian's services, with the forward anticipated to wear the iconic red jersey from 2025–26 onwards.
But which shirt number will Šeško receive upon his arrival at Old Trafford?
Benjamin Šeško Shirt Number History
Šeško began his professional journey with Austrian club FC Liefering, joining them on loan from RB Salzburg's youth system for two campaigns. He rapidly caught the eye with his impressive scoring record, netting 22 goals in 44 appearances for his temporary club while sporting the No. 21 jersey.
Šeško subsequently returned from his Liefering experience and made an instant impact with Salzburg's senior squad, though as a young player he was assigned the modest No. 30 shirt. He retained this number throughout his remaining time in Austria, before moving to affiliated club RB Leipzig in 2023.
Despite having more prestigious numbers at his disposal, the forward chose to keep the No. 30 shirt in Germany, sticking with his breakthrough digits during two highly successful seasons with Leipzig. This would presumably be his preference at Old Trafford as well.
The Slovenian talent has donned two distinct numbers for his national team, initially wearing the No.25 for his country, before switching to the No.11 shirt.
Man Utd Available Shirt Numbers
Regrettably for Šeško, his preferred number is unavailable. The No. 30 jersey was recently claimed by summer acquisition Diego León following his transfer from Cerro Porteño. It appears improbable that United would request the young Paraguayan to relinquish his new number so soon, and a loan move that would free it up is not believed to be under consideration this season.
The No. 9, traditionally associated with strikers, is presently held by Højlund, who will be deeply worried about Šeško's potential arrival, while the No. 11 he sports for Slovenia is worn by fellow forward Zirkzee.
Numbers 14, 20, 27, 28 and 29 represent the most feasible choices for Šeško, though the potential exits of Tyrell Malacia (No. 12), Alejandro Garnacho (No. 17) and Antony (No. 21) could still create additional possibilities for the expensive signing.