RB Leipzig confirm signing of Benjamin Sesko from 2023
By Tom Gott
RB Leipzig have confirmed they have agreed to sign young striker Benjamin Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg at the end of the current season.
The 19-year-old Slovenia international had attracted interest from a number of European heavyweights, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but has instead opted to remain in the Red Bull setup with a move to Leipzig.
Sesko will remain with Salzburg for the 2022/23 campaign before moving to the Bundesliga in 2023, with a five-year contract already inked with Leipzig.
"I’m very happy to be able to make the move to RB Leipzig in 2023 and that the transfer is now confirmed," Sesko said. "RB Leipzig are one of the best clubs in Germany and are establishing themselves as one of the best in Europe year on year. A success story has been written here in just a few years and I want to be a part of it in the future.
"The club’s philosophy of placing trust in young players and playing attractive, attacking football is a perfect fit for me. The city, the stadium and the whole infrastructure at RB Leipzig, as well as the many good discussions with the club, convinced me that this move is absolutely the right decision. My focus is now on the season with Salzburg, that I want to use to continue developing and be as successful as possible."
Technical director Christopher Vivell added: "Benjamin Sesko is one of Europe’s best young talents and has a great amount of potential to become one of the best.
"He offers a lot in his game, he’s extremely fast, has a great jumping reach and is strong in the air. Benjamin has a true eye for goal and, despite his height, is technically gifted and mobile. His qualities make him a unique and special player.
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"I’ve known Benjamin since he was 15 and was able to convince him to come to Salzburg in 2019. Since then, I’ve followed his development closely and have seen every goal that he’s scored. The best option is for Benjamin to continue in Salzburg for one more year and mature before coming to Leipzig. We’re already looking forward to that a lot."
Meanwhile, 90min understands that Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer remains desperate to join Bayern Munich, who are €5m short of his price tag. Manchester United are monitoring the situation but the player's priority is to move to the German champions.