Manchester United’s capture of Benjamin Sesko has been painful for Barcelona.
Despite missing out on European football, United have spent north of £200 million during the summer transfer window to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
For their latest signing, Sesko, who arrives from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €85m (£73.4m), the Red Devils had to fight off intense competition from Newcastle United. The Magpies were prepared to hand the Slovenian a more lucrative contract to lure him to St James’ Park.
Early in the summer, Arsenal tried to sign Sesko as well, but their sporting director Andrea Berta eventually decided to spend big on Viktor Gyokeres.
Barcelona wanted to sign Benjamin Sesko
Now, Spanish publication SPORT claim that Barcelona were also monitoring the 22-year-old, who scored 21 goals last term.
It is understood that Barca viewed Sesko as Robert Lewandowski’s possible replacement.
Due to their financial predicament, the Catalan outfit planned to make a move for him in 2026. The ageing Lewandowski has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Camp Nou and is expected to depart the club next summer.
However, instead of waiting for Barcelona, Sesko moved to United ahead of the new season and was unveiled in front of the Old Trafford crowd over the weekend.
The report states: “The Blaugrana sporting management has been particularly hurt by the signing of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.”
Marcus Rashford expected to play as a striker at Barca
The Slovenia international is highly rated by their sporting director Deco, who signed Marcus Rashford from United this summer on a season-long loan.
Rashford primarily plays as a left winger. However, at Barca, there’s a belief he could shine as a number nine and challenge Lewandowski under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona have a buy option to sign Rashford permanently for around €35m. As such, the Englishman could become their first-choice striker down the line if he grabs the opportunity this season.
Interestingly, Rashford’s move to Barcelona eased United’s financial concerns, allowing them to make a move for Sesko. The La Liga giants will help the Mancunians save around £14m by covering his salary.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
