Man Utd and Chelsea target Benjamin Sesko, 19, has been called the ‘next Haaland’, and RB Salzburg value him at £300m
TEENAGE striker Benjamin Sesko has become one of the hottest properties in this transfer window.
The towering centre-forward, who stands at 6ft4in, is wanted by BOTH Man Utd and Chelsea after breaking through at RB Salzburg.
A goalscorer of some repute, the 19-year-old has been likened to Norwegian hotshot Erling Haaland.
The Slovenian international managed 11 goals and six assists in just 12 starts in all competitions last season.
And the Austrian Bundesliga club cheekily placed a £300million price tag on his head.
Liverpool know who he is
Premier League fans might have already caught a glimpse of Sesko’s talents already.
Last week, all eyes were on Darwin Nunez as Salzburg entertained Liverpool in a preseason friendly.
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But it was Sesko who stole the show – scoring the winner and causing Liverpool’s backline all sorts of bother with his physicality and pace.
He began his career at his hometown club Radeče, andthen played for Rudar Trbovlje, before he was back at Radeče.
In 2016, he moved to Krško and played for their 15s – scoring 59 goals in 23 matches.
Domzale came knocking on his door, where he stayed for one season before he was signed on a three-year professional deal by Salzburg in 2019.
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It didn’t take long for the 16-year-old to settle into his new surroundings.
He impressed at their farm team, FC Liefering in the Austrian second tier.
Across two seasons, he managed 22 goals in 44 games – convincing Salzburg that he was ready for their first team last summer.
And he was given the role of impact sub – scoring 11 goals in just 12 starts (37 appearances in all competitions) as Salzburg won their ninth consecutive league title.
Sesko has already started this season off with a bang – netting twice in three games.
The new Haaland
Because of his stature, comparisons with a certain Norway striker are inevitable.
Sesko has been likened to Man City’s £51million signing, Erling Haaland, which has flattered the youngster.
“Such comparisons motivate me and give me energy. They do not represent pressure. I will listen and learn so I can be even better than he is,” he told Slovenian journalists.
“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!”
On the international scene, Sesko is Slovenia’s youngest ever goalscorer at the age of 18 years, four months and eight days back in October when he found the net against Malta.
Newcastle are sniffing around
Although it’s Man Utd and Chelsea who appear to be going head-to-head for Sesko’s signature, Saudi-backed Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the boy wonder.
Amusingly, Toon supporters were whipped into a frenzy when his agent Elvis Basanovic shared snaps of a trip to Tyneside on Instagram last Tuesday, including photos of Newcastle Airport and the Quayside.
They were certain he was there to discuss a deal with Eddie Howe’s side, which has not been denied. But Basanovic has since deleted the evidence of his jaunt on social media.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the talented striker.
Upon hearing that, Salzburg’s Twitter page hilariously tweeted that a deal could be struck if the Red Devils cough up £300million and give them Bruno Fernandes in a swap deal.
Needless to say, his agent has spoken up about those Haaland comparisons and revealed a modest, hard-working pro.
He told Zurnal 24: “Many compare him to Haaland, but I think they are different types of players.
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“They are similar in physical construction and speed, but they are different players. Benjamin is more of a team player.
“He is maybe better technically with his skills, but Haaland is a bit more wild with his energy, in a positive sense. He remains a humble, hard-working boy.”