Latest news with #Leipzig
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Benjamin Sesko denied dream Man Utd shirt number by new signing despite unusual choice
Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Manchester United's number one choice for their central striker vacancy but the RB Leipzig man will not be receiving a dream welcome present should he arrive at Old Trafford Benjamin Sesko might have an awkward Manchester United chat should he arrive at Old Trafford. The RB Leipzig striker has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils for the remainder of the summer. United are keen to add a new striker to their squad this summer following a dire campaign last term. Aston Villa 's Ollie Watkins had emerged as a target but the club's attentions have now turned to the Slovenian. It is reported that United may have to pay around £75m (£64.6m) to convince Leipzig to sell Sesko over the coming months. And should they agree a price, it appears their chances of getting a deal done are positive given that Sesko has been left impressed by the club's attempts to sign him. But while the signs are positive as it stands, there might be a slight bump in the road once Sesko arrives at Old Trafford when it comes to his squad number. The 22-year-old has donned the number 30 during his time with both his former club Red Bull Salzburg and his current employers RB Leipzig. And while the digit would usually be available given its unconventional nature, it's already occupied by another summer signing. Young defender Diego Leon is its current occupant following his arrival from Cerro Porteno. That would give Sesko a dilemma over the number he chooses to wear at Old Trafford. He has worn the number 25 and 11 on the international front and as it stands, both are accommodated by Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee respectively. Another option could potentially be the number nine shirt, the number that was worn by Sesko's hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford. Speaking about the Swede, the striker said: 'Zlatan Ibrahimovic was my idol. 'I'm not saying I play like him but he was having fun, enjoying himself on the pitch, doing what he wanted to do. It makes me really happy when I see that kind of player. Every single video I could find, I was looking at him.' And while that could be an option for Sesko, a few things need to happen first. The digit is currently occupied by Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. But a switch is still some way off and should he remain at the club, it appears very likely that he will keeps the number for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, talks between United and Leipzig will continue. Sesko enjoyed another sensational season for Leipzig last season. He scored 21 goals in all competitions for the German side.
BBC News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Benjamin Sesko: Is Man Utd, Newcastle and Chelsea target on brink of big move?
"He's good in front of goal. He has a good attitude. He is relentless."You can see why Premier League teams are interested in £70m-rated Leipzig striker Benjamin only being 22, it feels as if the Slovenia international has been linked to English football for years - so could this be the summer he makes the move?Manchester United have made him their top striker target, while Newcastle United want him - if Alexander Isak had been strongly linked to Arsenal for some time before they went for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres. Plus Chelsea, too (though who isn't...?).Big, strong, quick, good in the air and a fine finisher, Sesko has been compared to Erling Haaland - and not just because they both played for why are so many clubs being linked with him? 'The quality to play in one of Europe's best sides' Sesko is a goalscorer. In fact, nobody in his age range has scored more goals in the past two seasons (more on that later).But last season he became more of an all-rounder, with 9.7% of his touches coming in the opposition box - compared with 17% the season got involved more on both wings and further back into midfield. He was one of the fastest strikers in the Bundesliga at 35.7km/h - and had the best aerial success rate of strikers involved in at least 60 of them.A recruitment specialist working at the highest level recently spoke to BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell about Sesko, who stands at 6ft 5in tall."He's so athletic, he's big, physical and strong," said the anonymous source."I think the physicality of the Premier League won't overawe him. "When you look at some players in Europe, where the tempo is slower, you see them struggle to transition to bigger leagues."The Bundesliga is one of the big three in the world, but when you look at transitioning in big leagues he has the physical capabilities to do it." And what are some other qualities of Sesko, who idolised former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was younger?"He is clinical, he can drop in into space," said the recruitment expert."One of his strengths is getting the ball quickly. He can hold it, hold defenders off, he can give it to the winger, he can give it to the 10."He's good in front of goal. He has a good attitude. He is relentless.""You wouldn't expect him to hit the ground running straight away, but in six to 12 months he will be fine and you've got yourself a very good player."Central European football expert Lukas Vrablik added: "I think Sesko has the quality to play in one of Europe's best sides. He can be a big asset. At the same time he's a player who will develop. "He's not the finished product yet. Right now he might not be one of the best strikers in Europe, but he has room for improvement." So how prolific is he? Sesko has spent the past two seasons in Germany with Leipzig, having joined them from sister club Salzburg in was a deal that had been agreed and announced in the summer of 2022 - making him unavailable for any English has scored 39 goals in 87 games in all competitions in those two seasons (plus eight assists), with 27 in 64 in the of those goals have come in the Champions moving to Germany, Sesko is the top goalscorer currently aged under 23 in all competitions, of players who are based in Europe's top five is one above Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and five clear of Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £100m this summer."Last season, I don't think he was as good as the season before - but that was also influenced by Leipzig not being so good as a team," added Vrablik."There are big expectations for him as a striker. There is big hype around him."Sesko has shown clinical finishing in his time in Germany, six forwards have scored more goals in the Bundesliga in the past two seasons, even though Sesko is 16th for expected goals, 14th on shots and 22nd on touches in the opposition he is lethal from long range too, with 36.8% of his shots - and 23.1% of his goals - coming from outside the box. Both are higher than any Bundesliga striker to score 12 or more goals last season. Where it all started for 'confident' Sesko All of Sesko's senior football so far has come for Red Bull teams in Europe, having left home aged 16 for played two seasons for Salzburg's feeder club - Liefering - in Austria's second tier, scoring 22 goals in 44 21 goals of those came in 2020-21, having only netted once the season from there he played for Salzburg, bagging 29 goals in 79 games in two full seasons. He won the league both seasons, plus the Austrian Cup, scoring in the final win over journalist Miran Zore said in 2024: "We kind of expected his success but no-one knew he was so special, except his agent, Elvis Basanovic, who tried to convince people about his potential. "He used to send messages to scouts and directors, saying, 'this is the next goal machine'."When he was struggling in Salzburg at the start, people were asking his agent, 'where's this goal machine'. Now, everyone is laughing about it." In 2022, Sesko himself was quoted as saying: "My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I'm better than him."Manchester City striker Haaland (who left Salzburg before Sesko's debut) netted the same amount of goals for the Austrian club as Sesko - but the Norwegian only needed 27 matches, 34% of the amount Sesko maybe his team-mates were just being so, that comment alone would suggest some degree of self-assurance."I hear from people in Slovenia who worked with him that he's a really hard-working guy - and really confident," said Vrablik. "He has a healthy confidence, which is really important for a striker."For his country, Sesko has scored 16 goals in 41 games and featured for them at Euro 2024. Only three players have ever scored more for the former Yugoslav in 2024, former Slovenia international Miran Pavlin said: "He has to focus on playing well and the transfer will come - if not this year, then in one or two years. "He has the potential to be one of the top 10 strikers in the world, for sure." Man Utd lead the chase - but where will he actually go? There is no certainty that Sesko will leave they have failed to qualify for Europe this season and have started a summer rebuild under new boss Ole Sport was told Sesko has an informal agreement with his club that he can leave if an elite team offer about £ Sesko joined Leipzig from sister club Salzburg in 2023 he had a release clause of £55m - but last summer he signed a new long-term suggest that also has a release clause, which has begs the question of who could afford him? The answer is: not many teams bar Premier League sides or Saudi clubs."He's well positioned to make a difference at a top club. It's just a matter of time until he moves," said Vrablik. "But maybe not this summer."I think the price paid a part [on why he hasn't moved yet]. There are not many clubs who can afford him right now, which is a problem if he wants to move on."I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at Leipzig another season. It might be good for his development if he can repeat the season from before Euro 2024."It depends on the market, maybe some departure would bring this effect. I expected him to end up at Arsenal." Arsenal were interested in Sesko before signing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, in a deal worth up to £64m (73m euros ) - so still big money, but slightly United had put Sesko and Aston Villa's England striker Ollie Watkins at the top of their list, but are now focusing on the Slovenian and have spoken to have already spent £130m on forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, but still have money to Hojlund is United's other Newcastle also want Sesko - if their own star striker Isak was not part of their pre-season tour to Asia and BBC Sport was told he is looking at his are said to be interested in Isak but a move would certainly cost in excess of £100m. That fee would, in turn, leave Newcastle able to afford Wilson left St James' Park on a free transfer this summer, meaning 21-year-old William Osula would be their only senior striker if Isak did Manchester United, a move to the Magpies would enable Sesko to play in the Champions League next would Chelsea - who have also been the Blues have already signed strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro for a combined £90m this summer, so would need to offload Nicolas Jackson and perhaps of Europe's elite teams - including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan - have also been reportedly keen in the past those links have gone it be the same for those Premier League clubs currently in the mix for his signature - or is this finally the summer Sesko makes his move?
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd perform Ollie Watkins U-turn and draw up Benjamin Sesko transfer plan
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is desperate to secure a new centre forward this season and he may finally get his wish after the club opened talks with Red Bull Leipzig over signing Benjamin Sesko Manchester United have made a breakthrough in their bid to sign a striker - with a move for Benjamin Sesko edging closer. United have been exploring deals for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig forward Sesko as they look for a proven goalscorer to lead their attack. United are understood to have opened informal talks with Leipzig with regard to Sesko, although no bid has yet been tabled. Watkins was United's preferred option, given he has Premier League experience, a policy United decided upon this summer in their recruitment, as evidenced by the signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. But Villa's £60million valuation of 29-year-old Watkins has proved a stumbling block to any deal being agreed for the England star, with 22-year-old Sesko seen as a more viable option given his age - even though he will cost a similar fee. Yet United face competition for Sesko, with Newcastle also wanting the Slovenia international to replace Alexander Isak if the £150m-rated Toon striker moves to Liverpool. Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig and 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia, with United boss Ruben Amorim desperate for a prolific striker to solve his scoring crisis. United managed just 44 goals in the Premier League last season, with current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee not able to score consistently enough to warrant leading the attack. It is understood United approached Villa about Watkins, but were only willing to pay in the region of £45m for him and saw their initial approach rebuffed as it fell way short of their valuation. Sources in Germany have indicated there is a gentlemen's agreement between Leipzig and Sesko to let him leave for a fee of £60m to £70m plus add-ons - but only to select clubs. Sesko has been on United's radar for some time and their director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, could play a key role, having worked at Leipzig and the striker's former club, RB Salzburg. United had originally hoped to sign Liam Delap this summer, but the Ipswich striker moved to Chelsea instead. A number of other strikers have been considered, but Isak and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson were deemed too expensive. Newcastle will still hope they can persuade Sesko to move to Tyneside if Isak leaves after speaking to Leipzig and the player's camp.
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd launch all-out transfer offer for Benjamin Sesko in bid to beat Newcastle as star's preferred club is revealed
MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an all-out bid to land Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Slovenian ace Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins formed the two man shortlist as United sought to give Advertisement 1 Man Utd have launched an all-out bid to land Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko Credit: Rex But with Villa insistent that no deal for their England front man will be considered, United switched their sights and are now aiming to blow Newcastle out of the water to land the £70m-plus Sesko. United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and negotiator Matt Hargreaves flew out to Germany in a bid to get the deal over the line, although the Old Trafford club will try to negotiate Leipzig's asking price down. Vivell was previously with the Red Bull group that owns Leipzig and Sesko's previous club Salzburg for seven years and knows the 6ft 5in striker , 22, well. In a recent interview in Advertisement 'He's extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.' Sun Sport understands that Sesko, who was also on Arsenal's shortlist over the summer , would prefer to move to Old Trafford rather than Tyneside. That is despite the fact that Newcastle offer the prospect of Champions League football , while United have no European football at all this season. Toon boss Eddie Howe is also thought to be growing apprehensive about his prospects of landing Sesko, who has scored 39 goals over his two seasons in the Bundesliga, now that United are making their move. Advertisement Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford But Leipzig are unlikely to roll over and hand Sesko to United on a plate. They are sticking to their £70m valuation and dismissed all attempts by Arsenal to bargain them down, leading to the Gunners eventually landing Viktor Gyokeres instead.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd launch all-out transfer offer for Benjamin Sesko in bid to beat Newcastle as star's preferred club is revealed
ALL SYSTEMS KO Man Utd launch all-out transfer offer for Benjamin Sesko in bid to beat Newcastle as star's preferred club is revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an all-out bid to land Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Slovenian ace Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins formed the two man shortlist as United sought to give Ruben Amorim the firepower he craves. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Man Utd have launched an all-out bid to land Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko Credit: Rex But with Villa insistent that no deal for their England front man will be considered, United switched their sights and are now aiming to blow Newcastle out of the water to land the £70m-plus Sesko. United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and negotiator Matt Hargreaves flew out to Germany in a bid to get the deal over the line, although the Old Trafford club will try to negotiate Leipzig's asking price down. Vivell was previously with the Red Bull group that owns Leipzig and Sesko's previous club Salzburg for seven years and knows the 6ft 5in striker, 22, well. In a recent interview in Germany, Vivell said: 'Benjamin Sesko is among the game's top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player. He has all the qualities to do that. 'He's extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.' Sun Sport understands that Sesko, who was also on Arsenal's shortlist over the summer, would prefer to move to Old Trafford rather than Tyneside. That is despite the fact that Newcastle offer the prospect of Champions League football, while United have no European football at all this season. Toon boss Eddie Howe is also thought to be growing apprehensive about his prospects of landing Sesko, who has scored 39 goals over his two seasons in the Bundesliga, now that United are making their move. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford But Leipzig are unlikely to roll over and hand Sesko to United on a plate. They are sticking to their £70m valuation and dismissed all attempts by Arsenal to bargain them down, leading to the Gunners eventually landing Viktor Gyokeres instead.
