In 2023, he made the move from Salzburg to Leipzig. He is tall, skilled, acquired for 20 million, but now valued even higher. Bologna’s Zirkzee is also on the ‘Rossoneri’ wish-list.
Benjamin Sesko, who bears a strong resemblance to Marco van Basten, is becoming Milan’s primary target to strengthen the attack—a area where Milan has been struggling for some time. Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian, is emerging as AC Milan’s potential top target in the upcoming summer transfer window.
AC Milan’s priority for the summer is to secure the future number 9. While Olivier Giroud may stay, he is unlikely to remain as the starter. Giroud, at almost 38 years old, has been a valuable asset but might decide on a departure in the spring, with Major League Soccer (MLS) being a tempting option.
The ideal profile for Milan is a young number 9 with significant room for growth—a central striker with the prowess to score consistently and the physicality to make an impact in the box. Milan are aware that investing significantly in this role is necessary, considering the cost associated with quality strikers.
HIS ABILITIES
Sesko is the top name on the list because he possesses the physicality, skills, and talent the team is seeking. However, there are no guarantees: he moved from Salzburg to Leipzig for over 20 million last summer – but he is playing less than expected in Germany.
In the league, he has started 4 games and scored 3 goals, and in the Champions League, he started 2 matches and scored 2 goals against Young Boys. Leipzig has quality forwards like Openda, Xavi Simons, Poulsen, Dani Olmo, and finding playing time is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, Sesko’s characteristics remain:
Big Ben is technically sound, adept at using his sole, accelerates well, and has long legs (he stands at 195 cm). As for the cost, it’s hard to say, but those estimating around €40 million are not far off. Comparisons with Haaland, of course, are excessive: Sesko scores much less.
ALTERNATIVES
There is no shortage of young, promising strikers making a mark in European football. Here are some examples: Santiago Gimenez, a 2001-born Mexican who has already scored 19 goals in the Dutch league with Feyenoord. Viktor Gyökeres, born in 1998, moved to Sporting Lisbon last summer and has 11 goals in the first half of the Portuguese league. Folarin Balogun, who is now with Monaco. Vangelis Pavlidis, another 1998-born player, has reached 18 goals in the Dutch league.
Among the names to watch, there is also a tall guy playing not far from Milan: Bologna‘s Joshua Zirkzee. He may not be a classic center forward and scores less than others, but he has abundant talent, and Milan, along with many other clubs, is interested.
