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Manchester United eyeing Liga Portugal star should deal for Sesko fall through

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Pranav Nair | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Manchester United earmark Vangelis Pavlidis as their alternative to Benjamin Sesko

As Manchester United continue to press forward in the transfer market, reports now suggest the club has identified Vangelis Pavlidis as a potential reinforcement to the forward line, especially if the Benjamin Sesko deal fails to materialise.

With talks ongoing with RB Leipzig for Sesko, the Red Devils’ recruitment team is casting a wider net, and Benfica striker Pavlidis has emerged as a serious name under consideration.

Manager Ruben Amorim, who knows the Portuguese league inside out, is reportedly a fan of Pavlidis and has placed the Greek international on his shortlist. According to The Sun via Give Me Sport, Amorim’s intimate knowledge of the Primeira Liga has helped steer United’s gaze toward the prolific frontman.

Having joined Benfica from AZ Alkmaar just last year, Pavlidis wasted no time settling in, smashing 30 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the Liga Portugal. His goals fired Benfica to a second-place finish and added another trophy to their cabinet with a goal in the Portuguese Super Cup win over Sporting last week.

Why Pavlidis makes sense for the Red Devils

At just 26 years old, Pavlidis is entering his prime and fits the mold of what United need, a natural finisher, capable of operating as the focal point or as part of a fluid front three. He’s reached double digits in league goals for five straight seasons, proving himself consistently across the Eredivisie and now in Portugal.

Notably, he put two past England at Wembley in Greece’s stunning Nations League win in October, underlining his big-game credentials. That performance didn’t go unnoticed among United fans, many of whom are eager to see a composed, clinical striker added to Amorim’s setup.

A deal that could happen regardless of Sesko

Even if United manage to land Sesko, there’s growing speculation that Pavlidis could still arrive, especially if Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee depart. Neither fully convinced last season, and Amorim may prefer to reshape the attack with players who suit his system more naturally.

United are building something bold and fast under the Portuguese manager, and whether Pavlidis arrives as a primary or secondary target, his profile fits the club’s new direction:

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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