Barcelona Dismiss Sesko as Potential Summer Recruit

Barcelona are not in the running to land Benjamin Sesko from Manchester United, according to reports from Spain's Mundo Deportivo.

With Robert Lewandowski's contract expiring at the end of the 2025/26 campaign following Barcelona's LaLiga title win last term, Hansi Flick's outfit are actively scouting for fresh firepower. Ferran Torres provides an additional option in the centre-forward department, yet the Catalan giants recognise the need for at least one additional striker to bolster their ranks for next season.

The Barcelona-aligned publication suggests the club have taken a pass on the Slovenia international, despite his availability potentially being on the table. Sesko had been earmarked as a prospect when he departed RB Leipzig, but his transition to Manchester United has failed to impress the Spanish giants thus far.

The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in summer 2025 for €85 million (£73.5 million including add-ons), yet has managed only three league starts in 2026. Mundo Deportivo's assessment is blunt: whilst he may well depart Manchester, Barcelona simply aren't interested in making a move.

A departure from United appears unlikely in the immediate future, however. Despite an underwhelming campaign by his own standards, Sesko remains a developing talent, and INEOS recognise the importance of patience with such a young prospect.

Across all competitions, the striker has registered 10 goals and one assist from 28 appearances. In the Premier League specifically, he's started on 13 occasions and featured as a substitute on another 13, demonstrating his inconsistent role in Michael Carrick's squad rotation.

His agent, Elvis Basanovic, remains bullish about the youngster's prospects. Speaking to Arena Sport, Basanovic dismissed the "super sub" tag entirely, insisting instead that Sesko warrants recognition as a complete striker capable of delivering from both starting berths and the bench. He highlighted that the forward has netted equally from starts and substitute appearances, underlining his all-round value.

Sesko himself has expressed optimism about his trajectory at the club. In February, he acknowledged ongoing conversations with interim boss Carrick whilst emphasising the manager's faith in his abilities. The striker stressed his focus on making an impact whenever called upon, rather than fixating on guaranteed minutes, and noted his gradual adaptation to English football.

"It's about showing up when it matters," Sesko reflected, adding that he's not consumed by the pursuit of regular starts but rather concentrating on delivering victories for the team.