FOOTBALL
By Eishna Rawat
Posted on June 23, 2026 6:00 pm | Updated on June 23, 2026 3:33 pm Barcelona eye Benjamin Sesko as Alvarez talks with Atletico Madrid hit a wall.
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Barcelona are hunting for a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski. That search has thrown up a surprising name. Benjamin Sesko, who only joined Man United last summer, has emerged in the latest transfer news as a shock target for the La Liga champions.
Why Barcelona Are Chasing Benjamin Sesko?
Julian Alvarez is still their top target. As reported by GOAL, Hansi Flick’s side wants the Atletico Madrid forward to lead their attack. He has scored 49 goals in 106 games for Atletico since joining from Manchester City. This past season alone, he netted 10 goals in 15 Champions League matches. Those numbers make him one of the most sought-after strikers in European football right now.
But Atletico are not selling. They rejected Barcelona’s opening bid of just over €100 million. They also turned down a €150 million offer from Real Madrid. Their stance is clear and Alvarez is not going to a domestic rival.
So, sporting director Deco has moved to a backup plan. As reported by GOAL, Benjamin Sesko is now on that list, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong. The Slovenian was not expected to be in this conversation. That has now changed.
Benjamin Sesko’s Debut Season Tells a Bigger Story
As reported by GOAL, the Red Devils signed the striker for around £74 million from RB Leipzig last summer. He had scored 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig before making the move. His start at Old Trafford was slow. He did not score his first Premier League goal until late September. Regular starts were hard to come by, too.
The second half of the season was very different. Manager Michael Carrick backed him, and Benjamin Sesko delivered. Carrick called him “ruthless” in front of the goal. As reported by TEAMtalk, no player scored more Premier League goals than him in the second half of the season. That run of form underlines how quickly he adapted to life in the league. His contract also runs until 2030, so United always planned for him to be a long-term option.
Benjamin Sesko for Man United in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists
Premier League 30 17 11 1
FA Cup 1 1 1 0
EFL Cup 1 1 0 0
The Barcelona link also raises an awkward question. The Blaugrana had the chance to sign Marcus Rashford for just £26 million after his loan spell. He scored 14 goals and set up 14 more that season. They passed and signed Anthony Gordon instead, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Now they are chasing a player who cost Manchester United far more.
Benjamin Sesko Is Not Going Anywhere, For Now
Manchester United are not looking to sell him this transfer window. The club will not listen to offers this summer. INEOS sees him as a key part of the rebuild at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko looks settled, too. He struggled early but grew into English football as the season went on. Carrick gave him the trust he needed, and he responded well. He also chipped in with crucial goals, late winners against Everton and Fulham stand out. His best years at the club are likely still to come.
Barcelona will keep watching. As reported by Marca, Deco is clearly keeping his options open. If Alvarez stays at Atletico once the World Cup ends, the Blaugrana will need to move fast. The Slovenian fits the profile Flick described, a striker who scores and connects with the team around him.
The Red Devils are not interested in doing business. For now, any approach from Barcelona looks set to be firmly rejected.
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Eishna Rawat
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