Manchester United dismiss Barcelona interest in Sesko and seek experienced striker partner

Manchester United have firmly rejected suggestions that Barcelona are pursuing a move for striker Benjamin Sesko, with club officials insisting the 23-year-old is not available despite reported Spanish interest this summer.

Reports from Spain had placed Sesko on Barcelona’s shortlist as they search for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Julian Álvarez remains their primary target, but with a deal for the Atlético Madrid forward yet to materialise, Sesko’s name had reportedly entered the conversation. United officials have dismissed those claims outright, pointing to the fact that Sesko only arrived from RB Leipzig for £73 million last summer.

In his debut Premier League season, Sesko scored 11 goals and is expected to take on a more prominent role in his second campaign at Old Trafford. The club have no intention of entertaining offers for him, and United’s strained relationship with Barcelona adds further weight to that stance. The Catalan club’s refusal to pay the £26 million option to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis — while angling for a cut-price arrangement — left a sour taste at Old Trafford, and United figures have no desire to re-enter negotiations with them over any player.

Rather than selling, United are actively looking to strengthen their forward line. The club want to bring in an experienced striker who can share the workload with Sesko and provide a reliable rotation option heading into next season.

The future of Joshua Zirkzee could influence those plans. The Netherlands forward joined from Bologna for £36.5 million two years ago but has struggled to establish himself at the club. Zirkzee is said to be determined to fight for his place, but United would be open to offers for him during the summer window if the right deal presented itself.