Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic in the ongoing transfer window.
In his first transfer window as the Red Devils boss, Erik ten Hag has signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez so far. The Dutchman wants to bring in more reinforcements to boost his squad that finished sixth last season, and has made the signing of a striker one of his top priorities.
According to The Daily Mail, VfB Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic is one of the names under consideration at Manchester United amid uncertainty over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kalajdzic, 25, has become a reliable goalscorer in the Bundesliga since arriving at Stuttgart from Admira Wacker in 2019. He has netted 22 times in 48 Bundesliga appearances, including six strikes in 15 outings during an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign.
The Austria international, who is rated at around £17million, is on Man United’s list of attacking options along with RB Salzburg talent Benjamin Sesko, the report adds.
Sasa Kalajdzic to Man United—Should the Red Devils make a move?
Erik ten Hag is determined to make additions at the top end of the pitch, as Manchester United continues to explore forward options.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave Old Trafford due to a lack of Champions League football in the upcoming campaign has grabbed a lot of headlines. The club know they must make moves quickly in the market as major doubts hang over the Portuguese superstar’s future.
Furthermore, the Red Devils lost Edinson Cavani on a free transfer in June, and while Anthony Martial has performed very well in the recently-concluded pre-season tour, the French forward has time and again proved his lack of consistency to deliver the goods.
With Mason Greenwood indefinitely suspended, and Marcus Rashford more suited to playing as an inside forward rather than in the no.9 role, Ten Hag is right in wanting to sign a striker. Sasa Kalajdzic, in that regard, could be a smart option.
Standing at 6ft 7ins tall, Kalajdzic possesses strong aerial attributes that make him an asset in the box, especially during set-pieces. The Austrian can hold the ball up well, link up play and bring others into the game and get at the end of things to finish off moves. Due to his imposing frame and ability to easily win aerial duels, the 25-year-old is a real handful for the defenders.
Kalajdzic may not be the quickest of strikers but he would give Ten Hag’s Man United a different dimension to their attack. He would also represent a strong game-changing option off the bench and fight with Martial and Ronaldo for a spot in the starting XI, if the latter ends up staying at Old Trafford.
The lanky Austria international would have to adapt to the Premier League but has shown a clear eye for goal over the past year, and Man United definitely could do with a profile of a striker like him to boost their attacking options for this season.