Barcelona are considering a move for Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko if they fail to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, according to reports. The La Liga champions are in the market for a top-class centre-forward following the departure of veteran Robert Lewandowski.
Bid for Alvarez rejected
Barcelona have seen an opening bid of €100million (£86.4m) rejected for Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid refusing to do business with their Spanish rivals. A £129m offer from Real Madrid has also been dismissed out of hand, though Atletico would be content to let the Argentina World Cup winner join Arsenal for the right price. However, it is said the former Manchester City man has no interest in moving to north London, with his preference to sign for Barcelona who are planning to test Atletico's resolve with another bid.
Shortlist of alternatives
While Alvarez is very much manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco's first choice, a shortlist of alternative signings who they feel match Lewandowski's profile has been drawn up. According to Spanish outlet Marca, that list includes Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy, Levante's Karl Etta Eyong and United No.9 Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko only moved to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last summer, in a deal worth up to around £74m. After a sluggish start under Ruben Amorim, the 23-year-old burst into life under Michael Carrick, scoring 10 goals in 16 games since the turn of the year. While he did struggle with injury issues toward the end of the season, and faces stiff competition from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, the young Slovenian is expected to go from strength-to-strength.
United unlikely to sell
It would be a surprise to see United sanction his departure, especially with the Red Devils returning to the Champions League next season, unless an offer too good to refuse is made. Barcelona have already declined the chance to sign one United forward this summer, opting not to trigger the buy option in Marcus Rashford's contract despite a successful loan spell. Instead, Flick has spent £69m to sign England rival Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, leaving Rashford in limbo, with his future in Manchester unclear.
United kick-off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
