Manchester United have made it clear that Benjamin Sesko is not for sale despite growing interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Slovenia international has attracted attention following an impressive finish to the season at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting intermediaries acting on behalf of both La Liga clubs have explored the possibility of a transfer. However, Manchester United’s stance remains firm: Sesko is a key part of the club’s future plans and will not be allowed to leave this summer.
Sesko endured a challenging start to life in England after arriving from RB Leipzig in a deal worth more than £70 million last year. Opportunities were limited during the first half of the campaign, and the striker initially struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
His fortunes changed dramatically following the arrival of Michael Carrick.
The United boss placed his trust in the 23-year-old forward and was rewarded with a series of influential performances during the second half of the season. Sesko finished the Premier League campaign with 11 goals, but his impact went beyond the final tally, with reports indicating no player scored more league goals than him during the second half of the season despite making only 17 starts.
That form has inevitably attracted admirers across Europe.
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Sesko as they assess alternatives in the striker market amid uncertainty surrounding long-term target Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid have also been linked with the Slovenian as they evaluate potential options should there be movement involving their own attacking department.
Despite those enquiries, Manchester United are refusing to entertain the prospect of a sale.
Sources close to the club believe Sesko is only beginning to fulfil his enormous potential and view him as a central figure in Carrick’s long-term project. The manager is understood to be a huge admirer of the striker and sees him as one of the foundations around which the next phase of the team will be built.
The feeling is reportedly mutual.
Sesko is said to be enjoying life under Carrick and appreciates the confidence shown in him since the managerial change. That relationship has strengthened the player’s commitment to succeeding at Old Trafford and further reduced the likelihood of a departure.
While Manchester United remain active in the transfer market and are searching for additional attacking reinforcements, those plans are not connected to Sesko’s future. The club are believed to be targeting a versatile forward capable of operating across multiple positions rather than a replacement for their Slovenian striker.
For now, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid may continue to monitor developments, but Manchester United’s message could not be clearer.
After a breakthrough second half of the season, Sesko has become one of the most important players in Carrick’s plans, and the club have no intention of letting him leave.
