Man Utd to be beaten to Sesko by RB Leipzig
Karan Tejwani
- 8 Aug 2022 14:55 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their chase for Red Bull Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko, as it’s emerged that RB Leipzig are the frontrunners for his signature.
The Slovenian was targeted by many clubs throughout the summer, as Europe’s elite look to bring in the talent to develop for the future.
Sesko gained attention having ended last season with 13 goals in the final seven matches of the Austrian Bundesliga season, and is set to have a leading role for Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign.
Manchester United were eager to bring him over to Old Trafford, but were put back by the price quoted by the Austrian champions – believed to be around €50 million.
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Sesko set for Leipzig
Chelsea were also interested in Sesko, as it was reported the forward’s representative met with Chelsea’s new owner and Sporting Director Todd Boehly in London last week.
Sesko is set to have a first-choice role in attack for Salzburg this year, as Karim Adeyemi departed for Borussia Dortmund earlier in the summer, leaving the role open.
Before Sesko, Red Bull Salzburg have had a big reputation for developing attacking talents, including Sadio Mane, Jonathan Soriano, Erling Haaland, Patson Daka and Adeyemi.
Excl: RB Leipzig are closing on deal to sign Benjamin Šeško for summer 2023! RB Salzburg have rejected the proposal for this summer, Šeško is happy to stay for one more year. 🚨⚪️🔴 #transfers
Leipzig are now closing on deal for Šeško to join in 2023, could be done this week. pic.twitter.com/SVMPezPVV8— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2022
Manchester United were eager to bring Sesko over, having scouted him since he was younger, and even rejecting the opportunity to sign him for a low £3 million fee in 2019.
Sesko is set for a move to RB Leipzig in 2023, allowing him to develop in Austria, meaning he will get a chance to play as Salzburg’s leading man domestically and in the Champions League in the current season.
The forward has little experience in the first-team, despite his excellent record, and that is one of the factors that put many clubs off from paying such a high asking price for him.
In this campaign, he has already made three appearances, scoring two goals and assisting one, setting the rest of the season nicely for himself.
