Barcelona eye Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd teammate for shock transfer
Barcelona eye Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd teammate for shock transfer
Blues’ forward Ben Sesko emerges as potential target amid speculation over Julian Alvarez’s future
Barcelona eye Marcus Rashford s Man Utd - Barcelona has reportedly identified a Manchester United player as a potential summer signing, should their pursuit of Julian Alvarez falter. According to recent reports, the La Liga giants are actively evaluating options to bolster their attacking options, particularly after the departure of veteran forward Robert Lewandowski. With the need for a reliable centre-forward, the club has turned its attention to players like Ben Benjamin Sesko, who has become a key figure in United’s squad since joining from RB Leipzig last summer.
The 23-year-old Slovenian has been a revelation in the second half of the 2026/27 season, scoring 10 goals in 16 games under Michael Carrick’s interim management. His form has drawn interest from multiple European clubs, with Barcelona now considering him as a backup plan if they fail to secure Alvarez. While the Spanish side had already submitted a €100million (£86.4m) bid for the Argentinian, Atletico Madrid has remained firm, rejecting the offer and refusing to engage with Barcelona’s rivals.
Real Madrid’s attempt to land Alvarez with a £129m offer was also dismissed, though the club is said to be open to other possibilities if the price is right. Atletico, however, has shown a preference for Arsenal, believing that the England World Cup hero could be a viable option for the Gunners if a suitable deal materializes. This leaves Barcelona with the challenge of convincing the Bundesliga side to reconsider their stance, with the possibility of a second bid looming.
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Sesko’s rise at Old Trafford has been notable, despite initial struggles under Ruben Amorim. His breakthrough came after a change in coaching staff, and he has since become a consistent goal scorer. While he faced challenges with injuries toward the end of the season, his performance has kept him in the conversation for potential moves. Barcelona is said to be monitoring his situation closely, with Flick and Deco seeing him as a potential replacement for Lewandowski if the transfer window extends beyond its usual timeline.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford remains a central figure in the debate over United’s future. Despite a successful loan spell at Barcelona, the club has opted not to trigger the buy option in his contract, leaving him in a limbo as his long-term prospects at Old Trafford are unclear. This decision has sparked speculation about whether United will prioritize other players, such as Sesko, over retaining their star striker.
Barcelona’s interest in Sesko comes as part of a broader strategy to address their striker shortage. The club has already evaluated several alternatives, including Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong. Guirassy, a prolific goalscorer for Dortmund, is seen as a strong contender due to his physicality and finishing ability. Etta Eyong, on the other hand, has been praised for his technical skills and composure in front of goal. However, the focus has shifted toward Sesko, who is viewed as a player who could seamlessly fit into Barcelona’s attacking system.
United’s decision to keep Sesko on their books despite the initial bid for Alvarez raises questions about their squad-building priorities. With the Red Devils set to return to the Champions League in the 2026/27 season, the club may be hesitant to part with key players unless they receive a substantial offer. Analysts suggest that Sesko’s potential departure would depend on how Barcelona’s bids evolve, particularly if they can match United’s financial commitments.
Barcelona’s interest in Sesko also highlights their desire to bring in a player with a proven track record of success. The Slovenian has demonstrated the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, a trait that aligns with the demands of a team competing at the highest level. His performance under Carrick has further strengthened his case, with some observers claiming he has developed into one of United’s most reliable strikers.
Despite the attention on Sesko, the search for a new striker continues. Alvarez remains the top priority for Barcelona, with Flick and Deco determined to make him their main option. The manager has expressed admiration for the Argentina international’s talents, but Atletico’s steadfast position has complicated matters. If Barcelona’s second bid fails, they may need to explore other avenues, including Arsenal or even a last-minute move for a player like Guirassy.
The situation also has implications for Rashford’s future. With United unable to finalize a deal for the England international, his role in the team is now in doubt. Some fans speculate that his potential transfer could open the door for Sesko to join Barcelona, while others believe United will retain him to provide a focal point for their attacking play. Either way, the 2026/27 season could see significant changes at Old Trafford, with the club balancing their financial commitments and sporting ambitions.
As the transfer window progresses, Barcelona’s plans for the summer will be closely watched. The club’s ability to secure a forward of Alvarez’s caliber will determine whether they can maintain their competitiveness in La Liga. Meanwhile, United’s decision on whether to sell Sesko or continue investing in their attacking options will shape their campaign in the new season. With the Premier League set to kick off on August 22 against Hull City, the pressure on both clubs to make the right moves is mounting.
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