Benjamin Šeško is drawing serious interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but Manchester United are making the same point to anyone asking: he is not for sale. That stance has hardened after a strong second half of the season under Michael Carrick, when Sesko went from an expensive summer signing to one of the more sought-after forwards on the market.

Carrick's role change

Sesko joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig last summer for £73.7million, and his first months at Old Trafford did not scream instant payoff. He started only 17 league matches, yet still finished the campaign as the Premier League’s top scorer in the second half of the season. That is the run that changed how the club are looking at him.

TEAMtalk says the club’s view is that Carrick’s influence has been a major factor in the decision to keep him. The numbers around his season explain why suitors have started to circle. He scored 11 Premier League goals across the campaign, while GOAL reported 12 goals in 32 appearances totalling 1,817 minutes. The two outlets differ on the exact season total, but they point in the same direction, Sesko finished strongly enough to make United’s refusal to sell look logical.

Spain's striker search

Barcelona’s interest is tied to a wider need up front. Hansi Flick told goal.com: "We need a striker connected with the team, but who scores goals. We have clear ideas, now we have to wait for the market. It will not be easy, but we will try to do our best."

GOAL says Robert Lewandowski is the reference point for Barcelona’s search, with Sesko seen as an alternative if they fail to land Julián Alvarez. Atletico are in a similar spot, with TEAMtalk saying they are monitoring Sesko in case they lose Alvarez. Both clubs are looking at the same profile for the same reason: a striker with room to grow, and enough end-product to justify the move.

The key point is still United’s position. TEAMtalk reporter said: "Man Utd have no interest in parting ways with Benjamin Sesko this summer." That is the line that matters most right now, because it leaves Barcelona and Atletico chasing a player whose club do not want to listen.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →