Manchester United’s search for a backup striker just got a little more complicated. The club has been tracking Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito for months, but the Italian forward appears to be closing in on a new contract that would keep him at the San Siro through 2031.
According to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Esposito is set to sign a five-year extension worth around €3.5 to €4 million per season, with an additional €4 million in guaranteed bonuses. That’s a significant commitment from Inter for a player who only just broke into the first team last season.
Esposito, 21, spent two years on loan at Spezia before returning to Inter last summer. He made the most of his opportunity, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Twenty-two of those were starts, which is respectable for a young striker finding his footing at a club that won Serie A.
United’s interest isn’t new. Pedulla said the Red Devils were watching Esposito closely during his Spezia days, and Napoli had serious conversations about him last summer. But Inter never really wavered. They saw him as part of their long-term plans, and this new deal confirms it.
The 6’3″ forward fits the profile INEOS has been chasing: young, technically sound, and capable of developing into a star. United need a reliable backup for Benjamin Sesko, who delivered 12 goals and an assist in 32 games during his debut season. The Slovenian was a key reason United finished third in the Premier League and made it back into the Champions League.
Joshua Zirkzee, signed last summer, hasn’t worked out. He’s expected to be moved this window, which makes the backup striker search urgent. Esposito would have been a logical option, but the new contract suggests Inter has no intention of selling.
There’s also the question of playing time. Esposito just earned a starting role at Inter. Would he really want to sit behind Sesko at Old Trafford? Probably not. And that might be the bigger issue for United. They need someone willing to play 15 to 20 minutes a game, not a guy who just fought his way into a starting XI.
Pedulla also noted that English clubs pursued Esposito back in January 2025, including Leicester City. But that interest cooled once Esposito committed to Inter. United might have to pivot to a different target, ideally a more proven Premier League backup who can handle the physical demands without a long adjustment period.
For now, Esposito looks like he’s staying in Milan. United’s search continues.
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