Liverpool have reportedly expressed interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Cesco during the summer transfer window, which could hint at their plans.
Cesco is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe, with the 21-year-old shining for Red Bull Salzburg before joining sister club Leipzig in 2023.
After scoring 18 goals in 42 games for Leipzig last season, he has netted 10 times in 22 appearances this season, visiting Bayern Munich on Friday in his final game before the winter break.
However, there was a possibility that Cesco would leave Leipzig after just one season, and there were also contacts with Liverpool.
According to athleticThey reported that Liverpool had “expressed interest” along with Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle, but said the striker had “decided to remain and develop at Leipzig for next season”.
“People close to Cesco have spoken of the perception that the Premier League will bring a different level of pressure,” added reporter Jacob Whitehead.
Cesko is contracted to Leipzig until 2029, but there is a ‘gentleman’s understanding’ that he could leave for a ‘competitive offer’.
Interestingly, Manchester United appear to be ruled out after signing Joshua Zirkzy from Bologna, while Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle are still “paying attention”.
It is certainly worth noting that the Reds appear to have approached Sesko about a possible move, having already signed Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
With Nunez continuing to struggle for consistency as the club’s most-ever signed player and Jota unable to stay fit for long enough, it would not be surprising if Liverpool were looking for a new long-term No.9.
Arne Slot has repeatedly promised his commitment to Nunez, but there are strong signs that the Uruguayan not only does not fit into his system, but that the £85 million striker is not living up to expectations.
Likewise, the manager is clearly a huge fan of Jota, but he is now 28 years old and has already missed 13 games this season.
Jota’s high-intensity style of play has resulted in him suffering several concussions during his time at Anfield, but he appears to have taken longer to recover than other players.
Whether Sesko is an ideal signing is debatable, with The Athletic noting that the 6ft 5in forward has “earned a reputation as a streaky player who has lurched from explosive goal-scoring to extended dry spells.”
Either way, the interest in the Slovenian suggests there are at least plans to revamp Slot’s No. 9 bank.
