Manchester United spent big on Benjamin Sesko last season, and the Slovenian repaid them with a solid campaign. But the club knows they can’t run a 23-year-old into the ground, especially with a Champions League schedule on the horizon next year. The problem is, Joshua Zirkzee never quite worked out as the second option.
Zirkzee looks headed out the door this summer. That leaves United with a clear hole on the depth chart behind Sesko. And while most of the transfer chatter has centered on midfielders like Mateus Fernandes and Aurélien Tchouaméni — plus the already-done deal for Atalanta’s Ederson — the backup striker spot is quietly becoming a priority.
Enter Mikel Oyarzabal
The 29-year-old Real Sociedad captain isn’t the flashiest name on the market. He’s probably past his absolute peak, sure. But consider what he just did for Spain: a World Cup brace against Saudi Arabia, nearly a hat-trick when a chipped shot caught the crossbar, and that winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England. He’s scored 15 goals in his last 15 appearances for his national team.
At club level, he’s got 133 goals for Real Sociedad. He’s captained that side for years. The guy has leadership and big-game experience written all over him.
United saw last season how useful it was to have ready-made attackers like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha stepping into the number nine role when needed. Oyarzabal doesn’t have Premier League experience, but he’s played plenty of Champions League and Europa League soccer. He’s been through World Cups and Euros with Spain. That kind of know-how counts for something.
Versatility Matters
One thing that makes Oyarzabal appealing: he can play anywhere across the front line. Next season United will need bodies. He can cover at striker, sure. But he can also play both wings and even the number ten spot. That flexibility matters when you’re juggling multiple competitions.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called him “a great among greats” recently. He 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.” High praise from a manager who watched him deliver in a European Championship final.
Oyarzabal has been linked with Barcelona too. But at 29, maybe a move to England is the right kind of challenge. He could help Sesko keep developing while taking some of the weight off his shoulders. That’s a pretty good deal for a club that needs depth without breaking the bank on a superstar backup.
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