Manchester United are yet to sign any forward players this summer but that could all be about to change as the Red Devils begin focusing their attention on capturing a guaranteed goal scorer ahead of their 2022/23 season opener in less than two weeks.
United’s forward options are limited, while Cristiano Ronaldo is on a hiatus as he attempts to force a move away from the club, so action is set to be taken, and one man who Erik ten Hag is said to have his eye on is Benjamin Sesko.
Here is all you need to know about the Red Bull Salzburg forward, including who he is, what he’s achieved, and what’s been said about him.
Who is Benjamin Sesko?
Benjamin Sesko, born in Radece, Slovenia on May 31, 2003 plays as a striker for Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg and is one of the most highly-rated strikers in Europe after a breakthrough season in the first team during the 2021/22 campaign.
The 19-year-old began his career with Radece, but left to join Rudar Trbovlje, before returning to his hometown club in 2014. He moved onto Krsko, where he scored 59 goals in 23 matches for the under-15s during the 2017-18 campaign, and Domzale, before signing a three-year contract with RB Salzburg in June 2019.
Sesko began his international career in the 2017-18 season, scoring four goals in six games for Slovenia’s U15’s before registering four in four with the U16’s. The following campaign brought five goals in 14 appearances for the U17’s, with a single appearance for the U19’s coming in 2020. Since 2021, he has scored twice in 13 games for the men’s team.
Will Man Utd meet RB Salzburg's £55m valuation of Benjamin Sesko this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Career so far
After signing a three-year-deal with RB Salzburg in June 2019, Sesko spent two campaigns out on loan at second division side FC Liefering. The 2019-20 season yielded just one goal from 15 appearances, yet it was in the following season where he really showcased his talent, after tallying 21 goals and six assists in 29 appearances for the 2. Liga club.
Sesko made his professional debut for RB Salzburg in January 2021 of that same season, but made his breakthrough into the first team in the most recent campaign, where he recorded 11 goals and seven assists in 37 games in all competitions as his side won the Austrian league and cup double. In two games already this season, Sesko has scored twice and made one assist.
On the international stage, Sesko was first called up to Slovenia’s squad last year and became the country’s youngest debutant at 18 years and one day old in his side’s 1-1 draw with North Macedonia on June 1, 2021, before becoming Slovenia’s youngest ever goalscorer when he notched in a 4-0 win over Malta later that year in November.
What’s been said about him
After following in his footsteps at RB Salzburg, Sesko has already been compared to Erling Haaland for his similar achievements, but it is his teammates who already believe he is better than the £51 million Manchester City forward, while the 19-year-old himself portrays the same level of confidence as the Norway international.
In a previous interview with reporters in Slovenia, Sesko said: "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. 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!"
His agent, Elvis Basanovic, also told Zurnal 24 : "Many compare him to Haaland, but I think they are different types of players. 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.”
Chances of joining United
The Red Devils are certainly in need of a striker after losing Edinson Cavani this summer, while Anthony Martial - despite impressing in pre-season so far - and Marcus Rashford have been too inconsistent in recent years. On top of this, star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to force a move away from the club.
So with United desperate to add to their attacking options, a move is certainly on the cards, although RB Salzburg are determined to keep hold of their prized asset and have slapped a £55 million price tag on his head as they attempt to put off any potential suitors, yet United have still joined the race for the Slovenian prospect.
And on Sunday evening, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that Seskowas one of the players being monitored by United scouts and although there was nothing imminent, he is highly rated within the corridors of Old Trafford.
