Some transfer rumours inevitably seem more plausible than others. When it’s Liverpool being linked with a Red Bull player, the believability factor undoubtedly rises.
The Reds have signed Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino and Ibrahima Konate from either Leipzig or Salzburg. Sadio Mane spent three seasons with the latter prior to his move to Southampton too, so some very important Liverpool players have spent vital developmental time with the Red Bull teams.
It’s therefore inevitable that any talented young players they have swiftly get rumoured to be on the Reds’ transfer radar. They were linked with Karim Adeyemi prior to his move to Borussia Dortmund, and there has already been stories this summer regarding their supposed interest in Luka Sucic.
READ MORE: Liverpool might have dropped biggest Jude Bellingham hint yet
READ MORE: Lionel Messi sent blunt Liverpool transfer message
Now it’s the turn of Benjamin Sesko, a 19-year-old centre forward. Spanish outlet Fichajes have reported that Liverpool would like to add him to their roster, though Tottenham Hotspur are said to be leading the chase. If he joins Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and new signing Richarlison at the club, Antonio Conte will have some serious firepower at his disposal.
However, as Sesko still has four years remaining on his contract, it feels unlikely that he will be leaving Salzburg this summer. Erling Haaland had three-and-a-half years on his deal when he moved to Dortmund, while Adeyemi had two to go on his when he made the same move. With the latter having only just left, Sesko is line to become the latest hot shot young forward to make his mark with the Austrian champions.
Of these two predecessors, Haaland is by far the more obvious comparison. They are the same height (at least according to the official records) and are both more fleet of foot than you might expect from a man of their size. When receiving the ball in deeper areas, Sesko is able to power past opponents with ease.
To date, the Slovenian – who is the youngest appearance maker and goal scorer in his nation’s history – hasn’t had too many opportunities to do that with his current club. Sesko had a very impressive loan spell in the second tier in 2020/21, scoring 21 times in 29 games, but last season only eight of his 24 Bundesliga appearances were starts.
In that light, his record of five goals and three assists looks a little healthier, as he only featured for 964 minutes. The Salzburg man certainly left his mark on Brondby in the Champions League qualifying round, scoring a very well taken goal.
The strike had a hint of Fernando Torres’ fabulous strike against Blackburn Rovers in 2009, which Kopites remember fondly. Having controlled a long pass from Mohamed Camara on his chest, Sesko was able to smash a volley into the net.
If you watch a compilation of his goals, you will quickly see that his European goal was characteristic of much of his best work. Not so much in terms of the finish, but rather that he thrives in the area around the penalty spot.
Where Liverpool have often targeted versatile attackers in the past, players capable of playing more than one role across the front three, Sesko is very much a central forward. Per Transfermarkt, even allowing for youth team football he has only made one appearance anywhere aside from through the middle.
But that isn’t to say he isn’t suitable for the Reds. With his style of play, Sesko looks like he could make a suitable back-up for Darwin Nunez. If Liverpool are to evolve into playing with a traditional centre-forward (as their acquisition of the Uruguayan suggests) then they will need other players who can fulfil the role.
Having only turned 19 two months ago, Sesko has time on his side. He could move to Merseyside in 12 months’ time, spend a season learning the ropes at Liverpool and still be a very young player. Wherever his future lies, he will be worth paying attention to when the Reds face Salzburg in a friendly on July 27. You could be watching a star of the future.
READ NEXT
Liverpool youngster labelled 'super' by Jurgen Klopp scores first senior goal
Liverpool stance on Roberto Firmino as Jurgen Klopp prepares for new season
Gini Wijnaldum lined-up for 'swap deal' with Juventus midfielder linked with Liverpool
Goalkeeper begged Liverpool manager not to be sold after training ground telling off
Trent Alexander-Arnold sends emotional message to team-mate after Liverpool exit
