TEENAGE striker Benjamin Sesko was one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer window.
But it was RB Leipzig who managed to steal the towering centre-forward’s signature ahead of Premier League giants Man Utd and Chelsea in a £20million deal.
A goalscorer of some repute, the 19-year-old has been likened to Norwegian hotshot Erling Haaland.
However, it was his goal on international duty with Slovenia that has fans screaming it was just like watching Marco Van Basten.
The 6ft5in star’s sumptuous volley against Sweden brought back memories of the Dutch legend’s famous strike against the Soviet Union in Euro ’88.
Currently lighting up the Austrian Bundesliga, Sesko has scored five goals already this term.
And last season, when he exploded on the scene, Salzburg placed a £300million price tag on his head. In the next few years that transfer fee might become a reality.
Liverpool know who he is
Football fans might have already caught a glimpse of Sesko’s talents already.
Back in July, 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, and then 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 five times in 13 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.
He has four international goals to his name already, including the winner against Haaland’s Norway when the two came face-to-face
Newcastle are sniffing around
Although Man Utd and Chelsea appeared to be going head-to-head for Sesko in the summer, Saudi-backed Newcastle were 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, including photos of Newcastle Airport and the Quayside.
They were certain he was there to discuss a deal with Eddie Howe’s side, which was not denied. But Basanovic then deleted the evidence of his jaunt on social media.
Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag is also said to be a huge fan.
After hearing of the Red Devil’s interest, 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.”
German football awaits for the youngster next season. Like Haaland, he will look to take the Bundesliga by storm following the same career trajectory.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
