FC Barcelona had Benjamin Sesko on their radar as their future No. 9 for 2026, but their plans collapsed after the Slovenian striker signed for Manchester United. The English side paid €85 million to RB Leipzig to secure one of the most promising forwards in football today.

The move hit Barcelona’s sporting department hard, especially Deco, who saw Sesko as the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, who has been instrumental in recent years, will finish his contract in June 2026 at the age of 37, right after the North American World Cup. The club’s idea was to lock in his successor early, but the Premier League’s financial power left Barça with no chance.

A Market Blow Impossible to Match

Barcelona knew keeping Sesko in Leipzig was unrealistic and that competition from England would be fierce. On top of the financial restrictions imposed by LaLiga under Javier Tebas, the club couldn’t guarantee the player an immediate arrival—something that ultimately tipped the scales toward United.

The Red Devils not only invested in Sesko but also signed another forward, Matheus Cunha, for over €74 million, joining a list of massive transfers that are setting the market trend: Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool for €95 million and Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal for €76 million. This makes it clear that in a year, if Barcelona wants to sign a top-tier No. 9, they will need to explore alternative markets or bet on versatile players like Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo, or Ferran Torres.

In his first words as a United player, Sesko explained his decision: “I chose Manchester United because it’s a historic club and I’m excited about their new project. I want to be part of this team and help us get back to winning ways.” He also revealed his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, calling him his idol since childhood.

The striker could make his debut this Sunday when United face Arsenal in the opening round of the Premier League. At just 22 years old, Sesko arrives hungry for success and with the mission of returning United to the elite—leaving Barcelona with the unfinished task of finding their next attacking leader.