The Slovenia international has been on the radar of the elite European clubs for several years. Though his development has proved more gradual than explosive, the season brought some interesting takeaways. On one hand, his goal tally stayed pretty much the same — 21 this campaign; 18 in the previous — but his game is getting more polished.
What makes Sesko stand out are his core qualities: a tremendous shot (70% of his efforts find the target) with his right foot, aerial dominance thanks to his 6-foot-5 frame, and acceleration which allows him to stretch defences. He also has above-average dribbling skills and an elite positional sense in the final third. Indeed, when he’s on the top of his game, he can be a striker who can cause damage single-handedly … in many different ways.
Not unusual for a centre-forward in his early 20s, Sesko is still morphing into becoming a top-class No. 9. He needs to get on the ball slightly more and, given his physique, more assertiveness in attacking duels (43% success rate) is required. He could also stand to win more free kicks and improve his decision-making when it comes to shooting or passing to teammate.
At 21, Sesko is a highly attractive proposition for any top club. He’s learning, adapting and will surely score at a higher rate in a more possession-heavy side (Leipzig are at 51%). It’s just a matter of who pounces first.
OTHER RUMORS play 2:48
How Manchester United can recruit for the rebuild
Mark Ogden talks about Manchester United’s recruitment approach to improve the squad for next season under Ruben Amorim.
– Liverpool have made the first official bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz for a fee of over €100m. (Fabrizio Romano )
– Manchester City have asked Wolves about the signing of left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri . (Fabrizio Romano )
– With Alexander Isak set to stay at Newcastle, Liverpool will turn their attention towards a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké . (Sacha Tavolieri )
– Real Madrid are not interested in signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams , despite his release clause of €58m. (El Chiringuito )
– Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has a €25m release clause and a host of clubs interested in signing him, but Barcelona are ready to join the race and plan to loan him out. (Fabrizio Romano )
– Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing Wolves striker Fábio Silva , who is currently on loan at Las Palmas. (Rudy Galetti )
– Talks are ongoing between Al Duhail and midfielder Marco Verratti. The 32-year-old’s contract at Al Arabi expires at the end of June, meaning he’s looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere. (Footmercato )
– Leeds United will need to stump up £16m if they want to sign highly rated Dynamo Kyiv forward Vladyslav Vanat, who has scored 21 goals this term. (Football Insider )
– Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka , 32, wants to return to former club FC Basel before he retires. But not yet. (Bild )
– Atletico Madrid are considering a move to sign 23-year-old Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade , who has impressed this season. (AS )
– Real Betis forward Antony says his only focus is Wednesday’s Conference League final against Chelsea amid speculation over his club future once his loan from Man United ends. Betis are keen to keep the Brazilian at the club beyond the summer, but Antony said: “I still don’t know what is going to happen.” (Cadena Ser )
– Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres also says he “doesn’t know anything” regarding reports of a summer move to Arsenal. (Record )
– Como coach Cesc Fabregas remains Roma’s No. 1 one candidate to succeed Claudio Ranieri as coach. (Sky Italia )
