Liverpool supporters are nervously watching developments in the Benjamin Sesko transfer saga.
Sesko looks set to leave RB Leipzig this summer, with two destinations still to choose from: Newcastle and Manchester United.
Ordinarily, his decision would have little impact on Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with Sesko plenty of times over recent years, but are no longer in the running.
Instead, Liverpool have their sights firmly on Alexander Isak. But Newcastle will only sell Isak if they have a top-level replacement lined up.
Although Toon fans may believe there is a chance of Eddie Howe pairing Isak and Sesko together next season, the Slovenian is clearly the man they want to step into the Sweden international’s shoes.
As a result, Liverpool need Newcastle to sign Sesko in order to have any chance of bringing Isak to Anfield. And as they wait for the 22-year-old to come to a decision, Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the chances of him picking Newcastle.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring for RB Leipzig against Vfl Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga
Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko still ’50/50′ on joining Newcastle
Newcastle have had great difficulty in trying to get signings through the door this summer.
Liverpool have played a part in that, swooping in to sign Hugo Ekitike just as the Magpies made their move to sign the Frenchman.
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Nevertheless, Reds supporters are now firmly in their corner. But, speaking to his YouTube channel late on Saturday evening, Romano said that the two sets of supporters may end up disappointed.
“From now on we are entering into important stages,” he said. “The agent of Sesko is now in Leipzig to speak directly with the player and to help negotiations with RB Leipzig.”
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“We are entering now into decision time. Manchester United made it clear to Leipzig again on Saturday night that they will send a bid for Sesko if the player will open the doors to joining them.”
Romano also said that reports from Slovenia which claimed that Sesko had chosen to join Newcastle were premature.
“Obviously, United feel that Sesko is still deciding, has not decided to go to Newcastle,” he said. “24 hours ago some reports from Slovenia were saying he’d decided to join Newcastle, he has still not decided. It’s still 50/50 between Newcastle and Manchester United.”
Who is Sesko more likely to pick?
It had looked likely that Man United could play a part in Liverpool signing Isak, but it now looks as though the Red Devils can directly block their arch rivals getting their man.
While their fans will rejoice if that is ultimately the case, it still sounds as though Sesko is very much undecided.
From a footballing point of view, Newcastle are in a better place than United right now, finishing 11 places above them in the Premier League last season.
They have Champions League football on offer at St James’ Park next term and despite their struggles in the transfer market are still building an exciting project.
But United are still one of the biggest clubs around, and the allure of moving to Old Trafford and being the main man is easy to understand. Let’s see what he decides.