Mikel Oyarzabal: Man United have found perfect Benjamin Sesko deputy

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·26 de junho de 2026

Mikel Oyarzabal: Man United have found perfect Benjamin Sesko deputy

Manchester United are on the hunt for midfielders this summer as they look to bolster their squad for a return to Champions League football. Their attentions have seemingly turned to West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni.

The club has already sealed a deal with Atalanta for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson.

Vídeos OneFootball

Striker need

Nonetheless, United also want to address other positions this summer, such as left back and left wing. Another potential problem area is the backup striker position.

Benjamin Sesko arrived last season for big money and did a good job, often helped out by other attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who stepped in to share the burden of the number nine role. Whilst most United fans see the Slovenian as United’s long-term striker, he is still only 23 years old and needs help.

Joshua Zirkzee has failed to spark for the Red Devils and seems likely to leave the club this summer. One man who would be an excellent deputy to Sesko is Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal.

Experience

The Spaniard may not be the flashiest of names and, at 29 years old, is probably moving past his peak.

Nonetheless, he has proven time and time again that he has what it takes on the biggest stage. He is fresh from a World Cup brace against Saudi Arabia for Spain and was inches from scoring a hat-trick when his delightful chip skimmed the crossbar.

Oyarzabal also famously scored the winning goal for the Spanish in the Euro 2024 final against England and has an incredible 15 goals in his last 15 matches for his nation.

He has also added 133 goals for his club, Real Sociedad, and as captain of the team, has demonstrated his leadership time and time again.

Value of adding experience

United saw the value of adding ready-made attackers in Cunha and Mbeumo last season, and whilst Oyarzabal lacks Premier League experience, he has bucketloads of football know-how.

He has spent his entire career in Spain’s top division and has played numerous Champions League and Europa League matches. Oyarzabal has also played in numerous World Cups and Euros for La Furia Roja.

Talent

The Real Sociedad striker would also be a useful addition, as he can play across the front line.

Next season, when United hope to play many more games than last, the Red Devils will need squad options. Oyarzabal can cover at nine but can also play on both wings and even in the number 10 role if required.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described him as “a great among greats”. Explaining his game further, the head coach added, “you see that in his play, with his intelligence, and his interpretation of the game. He’s one of the best players between the lines.”

The manager continued to eulogise the player in yesterday’s press conference and explained, “few players understand football like him. And at goalscoring, he’s extraordinary.”

Final thoughts

The Spanish striker has recently been linked with a move to FC Barcelona but, at 29, he might just be in the perfect part of his career to try a new experience in England and continue to help Sesko learn the ropes.