Benjamin Sesko ‘gentleman’s agreement’ revealed after transfer interest from Premier League club | Football

Benjamin Sesko has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave RB Leipzig this summer with Newcastle United interested in move, according to reports.

Sesko has long been tipped for a transfer to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal both previously linked to the striker.

Newcastle are now thought to be keen on the Slovenia international as a potential replacement for their unhappy superstar forward Alexander Isak.

Isak dropped a transfer bombshell on Thursday, telling Newcastle he wants to leave after being linked with a £150m record move to Liverpool.

Following Isak’s decision, Newcastle are now keeping tabs on Sesko’s situation, and have been informed on how much the deal will cost.

That’s according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between Sesko and RB Leipzig.

Sesko agreement only valid for ‘special’ clubs

The agreement is that Sesko will be allowed to leave for a fee of around €70-80m, plus €5-10m add-ons.

However, the agreement is only valid for a few clubs which have been considered ‘special’ by Sesko – and it’s unclear if Newcastle are on the list.

It should also be noted that Newcastle are working on ‘multiple deals’ and are strongly considering a move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.

Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko

It’s been quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They’ve been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he’s still been one of their best and most consistent players.

Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.

His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he’s not at that level.

But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner.

Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews

Two reasons why Arsenal abandoned Sesko deal

Sesko came close to joining Arsenal 12 months ago before Euro 2024 – but opted to remain at RB Leipzig – and ended up signing a new contract.

Arsenal reignited their interest this summer – but ultimately decided to focus on signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP instead.

Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, had appeared to be making progress in talks with RB Leipzig – but walked away with the German club digging their heels in.

Arsenal were still at least €10m away from meeting Leipzig’s asking price and were unhappy with the structure of an €80m deal, The Independent reported earlier this month.

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