Report: Man United 'hurt' Barcelona with ₦152 billion move

Barcelona are reportedly ‘hurt’ that Manchester United signed Benjamin Sesko, as he was their first-choice target to replace Robert Lewandowski next summer. 

The Blaugrana signed Lewandowski from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, handing him a contract until 2026. The Polish international has been the top scorer for the club since signing; however, given his advanced age, the Blaugrana hierarchy are already preparing for a future without him. 

With his contract set to expire next summer, Barcelona are expected to sign a high-profile striker in 2026. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the intended target was Sesko, who has now tied his future to Manchester United. 

Per the report, the Blaugrana are hurt by the move, as sporting director Deco had his sights set on acquiring the Slovenia international next summer as Barcelona's striker for the future. 

Manchester United completed the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a high-profile transfer valued at around £74 million (€85 million), including performance-related add-ons.

The 22-year-old Slovenian international committed to a five-year contract with the Red Devils, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2030, according to the club on their social media account.

Interestingly, Lewandowski revealed that he agreed to join Manchester United in 2012, before Borussia Dortmund blocked the move.

The Polish striker, now 36 and playing for Barcelona, told BBC Sport that he had been eager to work under Sir Alex Ferguson after his first 30-goal season with Dortmund.