Manchester United should be searching for a Benjamin Sesko deputy, though links to Real Sociedad talisman Mikel Oyarzabal are questionable at best. Is his £65 million release clause a genuine solution, or just another expensive mistake?
Big changes were made to Manchester United’s attacking department in the summer as Ruben Amorim showed the door to players like Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
United also allowed Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho to leave on loan for the entire season. None of the trio is expected to play for United again, despite Ruben Amorim getting sacked as head coach at the beginning of January.
In a bid to add more goals to the team, United signed Premier League-proven duo Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, as well as Benjamin Sesko from the Bundesliga.
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While United have many options to play in the No. 10 role, including Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, it is a concern that Sesko is the only recognised centre-forward in the squad.
Even though Joshua Zirkzee arrived at the club from Bologna as a striker, the Netherlands international is not a goalscorer. He’s a technically gifted forward option, and his best trait is linking up with his teammates.
Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates against Real Sociedad
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Mikel Oyarzabal’s hefty price should encourage Man Utd to look elsewhere
The transfer gossip columns on Thursday morning saw Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal emerge as the latest striker in United’s sights.
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According to The Guardian, United had scouts in Spain over the weekend to watch Real Sociedad record a shock win over Barcelona.
It is noted that United were checking on Rashford, who has 20 goal contributions to his name since joining Barcelona on loan, but Oyarzabal is very much on the club’s radar.
The 28-year-old striker scored against Barcelona but has a £65 million (€75m) release clause, which would make a summer move more likely.
Oyarzabal’s pedigree is undeniable, especially after scoring 121 goals in 416 appearances for La Real, as well as earning 51 caps for Spain.
Spending wisely is the new mandate at Old Trafford, but Oyarzabal at £65m simply doesn’t add up. With Zirkzee’s departure looking likely in 2026, United need cover for Sesko, not a financial anchor.
Splashing that kind of cash on a forward with modest returns this season is an unnecessary luxury when the engine room and the backline need major surgery.
A move for Jean-Philippe Mateta at £35m represents far better value, providing the physical competition Sesko needs without draining the budget for other vital reinforcements.
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Mikel Oyarzabal stats this season
La Real captain Oyarzabal has six goals and three assists this season.
Having joined La Real at the age of 14, Oyarzabal has been a one-club man ever since, but that could change if United try to secure his signature in 2026.
Perhaps they will keep an eye on him for the remainder of the season, but he would want to be comfortably hitting double figures to warrant a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
Still, it could be argued that £65m would be better spent elsewhere.
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