Manchester United are reportedly targeting RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as they seek to bolster their attacking options this summer. The 22-year-old Slovenian has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, while Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins remains an alternative for the Red Devils.
A former coach who worked with both Sesko and Manchester City's Erling Haaland at Red Bull Salzburg has offered a fascinating comparison. Rene Aufhauser, who coached at the Austrian club, claimed in 2022 that Sesko was the better all-round player at the same age. 'Benjamin is maybe the better football player, better to play with the team, technically maybe better,' Aufhauser told The Mail. He praised Sesko's natural movement, speed, physical ability, and heading prowess, calling him 'unbelievable' in the air.
However, Aufhauser noted that Haaland was 'mentally a monster' and had the edge in that department. 'This is the last five, 10 per cent that Benji has to get,' he added. While Sesko is younger, Haaland had already secured his move to Manchester City by age 22, winning the Premier League and Champions League. Sesko, meanwhile, managed 18 goal contributions for Leipzig last season as they missed out on Champions League qualification.
United manager Ruben Amorim is believed to have pivoted to Sesko, who rejected the club three years ago to join Leipzig. The striker is now keen on a major move, with his agent Elvis Basanovic maintaining dialogue with United and even visiting their Carrington training complex. Sesko is under contract until 2029, but a transfer could be on the cards.
Aufhauser's 2022 assessment suggested Sesko needed more experience and to learn to handle disappointment. 'Sometimes he wants to be perfect. He has to stay cool, stay calm and to wait for his next chance,' he said. With three Austrian Bundesliga titles and a strong goalscoring record, Sesko may now be ready to make the leap to the Premier League and potentially rival Haaland as one of England's top strikers.
