RB Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko can follow in the footsteps of former Newcastle United forward Haris Vuckic after his agent was spotted on Tyneside yesterday. The 19-year-old Slovenian is being touted as the next Erling Haaland, following in the footsteps of the Norwegian in Austria and being tipped to burst onto the scene in Europe.
The 6ft4 striker began his football education in his hometown of Radece, first appearing on the radar in his native country scoring an impressive 59 goals in just 23 games for second division outfit Krsko's Under-15s in 2017-18. That form saw him earn a move to two-time champions Domžale - the club where Vuckic burst onto the scene before signing for Newcastle.
There's plenty of comparisons to be made between the two, with both attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe despite their young age. However, with young players there's always the danger that they won't fulfil their potential, as was the sad case with Vuckic.
READ MORE: Inside the Red Bull Salzburg talent factory Newcastle United can explore amid Benjamin Sesko links
In an interview with Chronicle Live, he said: "We played in Europe, I scored that goal (against Atromitos) and it was amazing. I remember two weeks after that goal Pardew came to me and said 'Haris, this season you will play over 20 games, just stay fit and I will count on you'.
"That was an amazing boost and then I played against Aston Villa reserves and I did my ACL in my knee. That chance for 20 games was gone and I was out for the whole season. So it was unlucky because I had an opportunity, I had people who believed in me but I couldn't deliver on that because I wasn't fit.
"Then people stop counting on you. New players come along which is normal and then I start getting pushed away. I know myself and my qualities and the person I am. Talent is not enough but the determination I had from 18-years-old - my vision was much higher than the other 18-year-olds and my head was always about being professional. Don't go out too much, work extra and that was my plan.
"I came there to work hard not to enjoy. If I did not have that many injuries I know I could have played more in the Premier League and maybe still be playing in the Premier League. I just wish I maybe had just one season where I would be totally fit and play 20 or 25 games.
"I also think you guys in Newcastle still have questions: 'Would Haris have made it in the Premier League without his injuries?' That answer will be hard for me to get."
Magpies supporters also wish they had answers to that question with Vuckic leaving the club on loan on a number of occasions, before finally being released in 2017. The links with Sesko will give the Slovenian an opportunity to succeed where Vuckic struggled, even if the former Magpies midfielder did not doubt his ability.
"That was Haris Vuckic," he said when conversation turned to his West Brom performance, when he stunned the Gallowgate End on his first league start, hitting crossbar with a stunning left-footed effort from distance before forcing Ben Foster into a brilliant save with another shot from a similar distance. "If I was able to do this game 10 times, for example, during the season and score some goals and make assists.
"You only need one good season and then you sign a massive contract. That was what I didn't have. It is not Newcastle's fault, it was my fault. I was unlucky to have so many injuries and as I say, if I had 20 or 25 games I would get the answers I don't have.
"I always say it is what it is. I am staying positive and things at the minute are going really well for me. Sometimes you know how hard you are working and how talented you are but you need the puzzles to piece together and need some luck also.
"I didn't have that at Newcastle but I keep working hard, keep positive, keep smiling. It is not just about football, I have a great family, a wife, two kids.
"Before it was football, football, football, but now I see there is more to life than football. This is the most important thing."
READ NEXT
New Newcastle stadium changes made ahead of schedule
Newcastle's exciting transfer profile and surprise name may emerge after Eddie Howe's warning
Hugo Ekitike agent breaks silence as he thanks him for 'never doubting' him after Newcastle snub
Newcastle hope on 'couple' of transfers, Sven Botman class and new captaincy hint - 5 things
Amanda Staveley reveals what she wants as part of 'new rules' for Newcastle at St James' Park
