RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Salzburg, according to the club’s official website.
The Slovenian signed a five-year contract with Domenico Tedesco’s side in a deal worth around £20 million.
The 19-year-old becomes the latest high-profile player to switch between the sister clubs but will remain with Salzburg until next summer.
Sesko enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Austrian champions last season, scoring ten goals and assisting seven in 36 games across all competitions.
He attracted interest from Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, but Leipzig have won the race for his signature.
The teenager is one of the most highly-rated young strikers in Europe and has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, who also came to prominence with Salzburg before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Sesko expressed his delight after finalising his transfer. “I’m very happy to be able to make the move to RB Leipzig in 2023 and that the transfer is now confirmed,” he said.
“RB Leipzig are one of the best clubs in Germany and are establishing themselves as one of the best in Europe year on year. A success story has been written here in just a few years and I want to be a part of it in the future.
“The club’s philosophy of placing trust in young players and playing attractive, attacking football is a perfect fit for me.
“The city, the stadium, and the whole infrastructure at RB Leipzig, as well as the many good discussions with the club, convinced me that this move is absolutely the right decision.”
“My focus is now on the season with Salzburg, that I want to use to continue developing and be as successful as possible.”
Sesko has been touted for a move to the Premier League but will first walk a well-trodden path from Salzburg to Leipzig and continue his development under Tedesco.
Leipzig have also completed the signing of Timo Werner as they continue to plan for a future without Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman could leave Die Roten Bullen next year due to the release clause in his recently-signed contract.
