Benjamin Sesko has spoken about his decision to renew his RB Leipzig contract before playing at Euro 2024 this summer, turning down a potential Premier League transfer in the process.
Sesko underlined his status as one of the highest-rated young strikers around when he scored in seven successive Bundesliga games at the end of the 2023/24 season to secure Leipzig’s Champions League place. This performance sparked a flurry of transfer interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, but Sesko’s future, at least for the next year, was quickly decided when he penned a new deal.
“I thought it through very well,” the 21-year-old told Nogomania in his native Slovenia.
“I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig’s vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals.
“I felt it was right to decide this way.”
Manchester United were in the market for a new striker when Sesko signed his Leipzig extension until 2029, but soon landed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna instead.
Arsenal have been missing a proper central striker for several seasons, which could arguably be the final piece of their Premier League title pursuit jigsaw, but have focused recent efforts on further beefing up their defense with a Riccardo Calafiori deal.
Meanwhile, Chelsea relied heavily on Cole Palmer – typically a number 10 or winger – for most of their goals and creativity last season, with Nicolas Jackson being inconsistent.
