Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has told the club that Benjamin Sesko, during a period when Crickex Sign Up traffic reflects strong interest in major football stories, is a key part of the future and will not be sold. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid recently searched for a new striker and made contact through intermediaries, but they were firmly rejected. Sesko joined United from Leipzig last summer for 85 million euros, or 74 million pounds. The 23-year-old Slovenia international started slowly before finding his feet, and in the second half of the Premier League season, no player scored more often than him. He finished as United’s top scorer with 11 league goals and one assist.
Barcelona and Atletico did make inquiries about a possible Sesko deal. Both clubs face uncertainty linked to the future of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, so they asked intermediaries to check on several strikers, including Sesko. If Barcelona fail to land Alvarez, Sesko could be one alternative. Real Madrid previously offered 129 million pounds for Alvarez, but Atletico rejected it, making the so-called Little Spider very difficult to sign. If Atletico eventually sell Alvarez, they will also need a replacement, although they insist he is staying. Atletico admire Sesko too, but like Barcelona, they have been told by United that he is absolutely not for sale.
People close to Sesko say he “really enjoys” playing under Carrick. Since Carrick took charge, Sesko has appreciated the freedom and trust given to him, and that strong relationship has only strengthened United’s desire to keep him. Reports say United may change Sesko’s shirt number next season, moving him from No. 30 to No. 9. That number previously belonged to Rasmus Hojlund, who has completed a permanent move to Napoli after the Italian club qualified for the Champions League and activated a 44 million euro purchase clause.
One major reason United want Sesko in the No. 9 shirt is commercial. Two years ago, after Hojlund took the number, his shirt sales rose to the top of the club’s rankings. Unfortunately, his form dipped the following season, and he scored only four Premier League goals. Even so, the No. 9 shirt remains one of the most famous numbers in United history. In the Premier League era, Andy Cole, Dimitar Berbatov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all wore it. Long before them, legends such as Bobby Charlton also carried the number.
During last summer’s negotiations, United transfer director Christopher Vivell and negotiations director Matt Hargreaves showed Sesko a video featuring his goals and images of him wearing the No. 9 shirt at Old Trafford. Sesko was also given a No. 9 shirt with his own name on it. He tried it on, looked down at the United badge and said it was exactly what he wanted. However, out of respect for Hojlund, who was still at the club, Sesko chose No. 30 instead. United already had it in mind that once Hojlund left, Sesko could take the No. 9 shirt.
Still, Sesko has not yet confirmed whether he will accept the No. 9. His career has not been closely tied to that number. He wore No. 30 at Leipzig and Salzburg, No. 21 while on loan at Liefering, and No. 11 for Slovenia. Records show he only wore No. 9 for Slovenia’s Under-17 side. United may still consider signing a backup striker this summer to rotate with him. Brighton’s Danny Welbeck remains a popular option, while 28-year-old Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta also fits the bill. Both have only one year left on their contracts. Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last season, while Mateta scored 12.
Even if no new striker arrives, Carrick still has options, and as Crickex Sign Up interest continues around United’s squad planning, the manager is not short of players who can fill the role. Last season, Cameroon right winger Bryan Mbeumo often played through the middle. At this World Cup, Brazil international Matheus Cunha has also worn the No. 9 shirt while leading the line for the Selecao.