Barcelona identify 21-year-old Bundesliga star as cheaper alternative to Erling Haaland: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Benjamin Sesko as a potential alternative for Erling Haaland. They are interested in signing a striker next summer.
The Blaugrana currently have Robert Lewandowski at the top of their attack. However, he will be 37 next year and his contract expires in 2026. Hence, the club are looking at potential replacements for the Polish striker.
As per El Nacional, Barcelona's dream signing would be Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has taken the world by storm since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He's scored 101 goals and provided 14 assists in 107 games for City, breaking numerous records and winning multiple trophies.
However, the 24-year-old is likely to cost a lot of money both in terms of transfer fees and wages. As per Transfermarkt, his market value is €200 million. Hence, Barca have identified Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Haaland. The Slovenian centre-forward has impressed in recent seasons and was also linked with Arsenal in the summer but chose to stay at RB Leipzig instead.
Sesko has scored 24 goals and provided five assists in 50 games for Leipzig since arriving from Red Bull Salzburg last summer. He scored a brace in their 3-2 defeat against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 2. The Slovenian is brilliant at shooting, has great physicality, and can play in multiple systems.
As per the aforementioned report, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick really appreciates the 21-year-old. His contract with RB Leipzig expires in 2029 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €50 million.
Hansi Flick assesses Barcelona's performance in win over Young Boys
Barcelona had a less-than-ideal start to their 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign as they lost 2-1 at AS Monaco in their first game. However, they bounced back with a 5-0 hammering of Young Boys at home in their second game of the tournament on October 1.
Robert Lewandowski (8', 51') scored a brace while Raphinha (34') and Inigo Martinez (37') also got one goal each. Mohamed Ali Camara's own goal (81') completed the scoring to secure three points for the Spanish giants.
Hansi Flick, however, still found some issues in the performance of his side, as he explained (via Barca Blaugranes):
“We have to start the games a little stronger. Be more dynamic as a whole. The game has improved as the minutes have passed. Nobody knows how this new Champions League will work, but it’s always good to have a good goal difference.”
Barcelona are currently 16th in the new league phase table in the Champions League. Only the top eight teams will directly qualify for the knockout rounds while teams between 9th and 24th will go through playoffs.