Barcelona set sights on a different United star after Rashford deal collapses, INEOS will be furious – report

The fraught relations between Manchester United and FC Barcelona are set to become even more strained after the Spanish giant identified Benjamin Sesko as a target this summer, according to a new report. Rashford’s Return The two clubs have been locked in protracted negotiations over the past few months to try to find a compromise that would see Marcus Rashford stay in Catalonia permanently. The 28-year-old forward spent last season on loan with Barcelona, helping the Blaugrana defend their LaLiga title and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League with 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3218893-1,762′ UEFA Champions League11554–579′ Copa del Rey4311–249′ Supercopa20—-32′ Total492614143-2,622′ Source: Transfermarkt. German manager Hansi Flick is understood to have been impressed by the United star, who was content to play a more squad-based role at Camp Nou, and wanted him to be signed permanently, while Rashford himself was desperate to remain as well. However, Barcelona’s hierarchy decided against triggering the £26 million buy option in the deal, instead trying to renegotiate another loan or a much cheaper price – two requests United had no interest in entertaining. Once the World Cup in North America concludes next month, Rashford will make an awkward return to Old Trafford while INEOS search for an alternative buyer for the team’s highest-paid player now that Casemiro has sealed his move to Inter Miami. Sesko In The Crosshairs Barcelona’s refusal to pay the relatively modest fee for Rashford was called into question by their £70m outlay on another English forward, Anthony Gordon, with INEOS likely to have been left scratching their heads at the deal. But this confusion will undoubtedly turn to anger as the Catalan side have now identified Sesko as an option up front, should their ambitious pursuit of Julian Alvarez fail. Barca have tabled an £87m bid for the 26-year-old Argentina international, which was immediately rejected by Atletico Madrid. Bizarrely, Real Madrid then made a bombshell offer of £113m that was also turned down, though sources in the Spanish capital question the legitimacy of the move. Atleti are understood to be demanding £130m for their prized asset, who Barca have identified as their first-choice successor to the departing Robert Lewandowski. However, should they be unable to prise him from the Metropolitano Stadium, attention will be turned to Sesko as one of three alternatives. MARCA reveals sporting director Deco has placed Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, Etta Eyong of Levante, and Sesko on his shortlist. Interestingly, Eyong is a target at Old Trafford to provide competition to the 6’5″ Slovenian frontman, given Joshua Zirkzee is set to return to Italy if a suitable offer arrives. However, United are understood to be prioritising a more experienced option as the Cameroon international is only 22 years old. Final Thoughts Having invested a total sum of £74m to sign Sesko from RB Leipzig last year, it would take a significantly larger offer than this to even make INEOS pick up the phone. And were they to see a Catalan calling code, they may simply hang up immediately. If Barcelona are searching for a more cost-effective option than Alvarez, they will need to shop outside of M16, unless a reversal on Rashford’s future is on their list. Sesko’s red-hot form under Michael Carrick makes him an unobtainable target this summer, as the 22-year-old is primed to explode next season. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.