Liverpool's hopes of beating Arsenal in the race for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko are boosted by the significant role Jurgen Klopp could play in the Slovenian striker's future, Dean Jones has written for GIVEMESPORT.
Sesko has emerged as a target amid an impressive run of form at Red Bull Arena since arriving from sister club RB Salzburg in July 2023. The 21-year-old has bagged 35 goals in 76 appearances and is likely to be moving this summer with the Premier League a potential destination.
Arsenal have long admired Sesko and tried signing him last summer, but he had reservations over playing second fiddle to Kai Havertz. The Gunners now have the threat of Liverpool to contend with as Arne Slot looks to the Slovenia international as part of an overhaul expected to see Darwin Nunez depart Anfield.
Jones: Klopp's Influence Could Help Liverpool Sign Sesko
The Reds' iconic ex-manager works as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer
Jurgen Klopp was appointed Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer in January, the German's first job since leaving Liverpool last season. He holds a strong relationship with the Reds after an incredible nine-year reign that saw him end the club's 30-year wait for a league title.
Jones suggested that this could pay dividends for the Anfield giants should they battle it out with Arsenal for Sesko this summer:
"Liverpool’s position in the race could give them an edge over Arsenal, especially with the influence of Jurgen Klopp. His new role as global head of soccer at Red Bull could play a part in swaying Sesko towards Anfield, particularly given the German tactician's past rivalry with Arsenal and Arteta."
Benjamin Sesko In The Bundesliga This Season
Appearances
Goals
Expected Goals (xG)
Goal Conversion
Assists
Successful Dribbles
Ground Duels Won
Aerial Duels Won
Liverpool and Leipzig shared a positive connection before Klopp took the Red Bull role, with several deals being struck between the two clubs over the years. Dominik Szoboszlai (£60 million), Ibrahima Konate (£36 million), and Naby Keita (£52.75 million) all joined the Reds from the Bundesliga club, while their former youngster Fabio Carvahlo was sent on loan to Red Bull Arena.
When the two sides met during the 2022-23 pre-season, Klopp joked about Konate and Keita's captures, saying Leipzig had 'played us a little, and we paid way too much' but that they were 'two great guys that they had given them'.
Sesko, deemed 'world-class' by a FIFA licenced agent, has all the traits Slot relishes from a forward, with a 6ft5in frame, impressive pace, clinical finishing abilities and tireless work ethic. He has a release clause in his contract worth a purported (£58.5 million), but this is expected to rise to £66.7 million when the season ends.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 07/03/2025.
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