Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been relentless, with the club spending north of £200 million despite missing out on European football.
Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and the Red Devils battled multiple clubs for a high-profile addition to their attack.
Newcastle United were willing to offer Benjamin Sesko a more lucrative deal, while Arsenal initially tried to sign him before turning their attention to Viktor Gyokeres.
Barcelona have been closely monitoring rising stars, searching for the next big name to secure their long-term future in the striker position.
The Catalan giants had hoped to replace Robert Lewandowski in the coming season, preparing for the Polish veteran’s final year at Camp Nou.
It now appears that plan has been disrupted.
Manchester United have confirmed the capture of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €85m (£73.4m), unveiling the 22-year-old in front of the Old Trafford crowd over the weekend.
According to SPORT, Barcelona’s sporting management has been “particularly hurt by the signing of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.”
Deco, the Catalan club’s sporting director, had earmarked the Slovenia international as a potential replacement for Lewandowski, highlighting the forward’s promise and scoring record of 21 goals last season.
Interestingly, United’s acquisition of Sesko was eased by their own deal with Barcelona, bringing Marcus Rashford to Camp Nou on a season-long loan.
The loan arrangement saves United around £14m in salary costs while giving Barcelona an option to purchase Rashford permanently for €35m.
While Rashford will mainly operate as a left winger, Barca see him as a potential future number nine, possibly stepping into Lewandowski’s role under Hansi Flick.
For the time being, Sesko will spearhead Manchester United’s attack, leaving Barcelona to reassess their plans.
The missed opportunity adds to the club’s ongoing frustrations during a transfer window already constrained by financial pressures and La Liga budget rules.
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