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<p>Benjamin Sesko's Decision in 2023</p>
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<img alt="Is Benjamin Sesko ready for the Premier League? Manchester United reaches agreement for RB Leipzig striker" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/sesko-spotlight-1753779357-173398.png" title="Is Benjamin Sesko ready for the Premier League? Manchester United reaches agreement for RB Leipzig striker">
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<p>The transfer window is in full swing, with clubs splurging on signings, and strikers particularly making headlines. Arsenal has finally addressed their striker dilemma by securing Viktor Gyökeres, but one of their former targets appears poised to join a Premier League competitor. For a while, RB Leipzig's towering striker Benjamin Sesko was Arsenal's top target. However, after they shifted their focus, both Newcastle and Manchester United have expressed interest in the Slovenian player. Recent reports indicate that the Red Devils have reached an agreement with their German counterparts to bring Sesko to Old Trafford.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/sesko-man-utd-3-4-3-1753960958-173660.png?lm=1753960968">
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<p>According to <em>The Athletic</em>, Manchester United has agreed in principle to a deal valued at €76.5 million plus €8.5 million in potential add-ons. Newcastle had previously struck a deal with RB Leipzig for the striker as well. The Magpies are concerned about losing star forward Alexander Isak to Liverpool in what could become a Premier League record transfer, leading them to identify Sesko as a possible replacement. So, does Sesko fit the bill for Manchester United? And is he equipped to excel in the Premier League?</p>
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<p>It's hard to ignore the similarities between Sesko and Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Both players transitioned from Red Bull Salzburg to the Bundesliga, both stand at six-foot-five, and both have been heralded as top prospects at a young age. While Haaland has established himself as a world-class talent, clubs dream of nurturing their own version of the Norwegian. Sesko, who turned 22 at the end of May, is seen by some as a potential future star, although our German expert draws another comparison to a Premier League forward.</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/sesko-seasons-1749541494-169777.png?lm=1749545484" width="503">
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<h2>Is Benjamin Sesko Prepared for the Premier League?</h2>
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<p>Sesko had his most prolific season in top-level football during the 2024/25 campaign, contributing a total of 27 goals (21 goals and six assists). While these figures are not exceptional, they are solid, and many believe that the Slovenian possesses significant untapped potential. Alexander Binder, Chief Editor at <em>Transfermarkt</em> in Germany, elaborated on Sesko's playing style: "Sesko is a quick, physically imposing centre-forward who excels in transition and poses a significant aerial threat," he stated. "Over two seasons at RB Leipzig, he evolved from an impact substitute to a regular starter, significantly increasing his market value from €24 million to €70 million."</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/binder-on-sesko-1754468854-174128.png?lm=1754468866" width="503">
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<p>While some fans compare Sesko's potential to Haaland, others look to Alexander Isak's progression at Newcastle for inspiration. However, Binder draws a parallel with another Premier League forward: "His style is similar to that of Liverpool's Darwin Núñez," he noted. This comparison might not excite some fans, particularly given Núñez's struggles last season, including missed opportunities that could lead to his departure from Liverpool. Nonetheless, both players share a raw talent, meaning Sesko still has room for improvement.</p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>€70.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€45.00m</p>
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<p>Centre-Forward</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
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<p>Jun 30, 2029</p>
<p>Contract until</p>
<p>Jun 30, 2028</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Even though this may suggest Sesko isn't entirely ready for an immediate impact in the Premier League, there are contrasting views on the matter. "He appears to be a natural fit for the Premier League," Binder suggested. "His speed and physicality would make him a formidable challenge for defenders, representing an excellent tactical match. However, to truly transform into an elite striker, he must refine his finishing skills. In both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Bundesliga seasons, he was among those missing the most significant chances."</p>
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<h2>Rejecting Manchester United in 2023</h2>
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<p>Several Premier League teams have shown interest in Sesko for some time, along with Saudi Pro League clubs attempting to recruit him to the Middle East. Manchester United has been a consistent contender for his signature, nearly securing him from Red Bull Salzburg in the past. In 2023, Sesko spoke with <em>Transfermarkt</em> about the failed deal: "To be honest, I wasn't really engaged in those discussions," he stated regarding Manchester United’s pursuit. "I believe it was better for me to join Leipzig," he added. The Red Devils ultimately signed Danish striker Rasmus Højlund that summer for €73.9 million.</p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>RB Leipzig</p>
<p>Manchester United</p>
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<p>€70.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€35.00m</p>
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<p>Centre-Forward</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
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<p>Jun 30, 2029</p>
<p>Contract until</p>
<p>Jun 30, 2028</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Instead, Sesko chose to continue within the Red Bull system, becoming the 20th player to transition from Salzburg to Leipzig. Leipzig acquired the striker in the summer of 2022, allowing him to remain with Salzburg for another season, where he notched 16 goals and four assists in 30 Austrian Bundesliga appearances. "It was crucial for me to join a club that played a similar style of football," Sesko shared about his decision for Leipzig over other options. "I was already familiar with the playing style and wouldn’t have to go through an extensive adjustment period." However, adapting to the Premier League under Ruben Amorim could present a significant learning curve for Sesko.</p>
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