Slovenia manager offers insight into Milan’s Sesko chances: 'It is a bargain'

Reports about AC Milan’s interest in Benjamin Sesko have increased in the past week, and the Slovenian head coach, Matjaz Kek, has spoken about the RB Leipzig striker’s qualities and the Rossoneri interest.

The light at the end of the tunnel for this season has been the investment planned for the summer mercato, and with a month until the opening of the window, Milan fans are getting excited about their summer prospects.

Olivier Giroud’s departure has only added to the Diavolo’s desire to add a striker to their ranks in the summer, and a name who has been consistently linked with being the new No.9 is Sesko, the 21-year-old striker, who fits the mould of what Milan want.

A young striker with plenty of potential, talent for finding the back of the net and a physical and technical profile that excites the management. As a result of these traits, reports this week have suggested that the Rossoneri will go ‘all in’ for him.

Ahead of the mercato’s opening, Kek spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about Milan’s interest and his abilities.

Can you tell us why he’s worth €50m?

“We are talking about a centre-forward who is physically strong. And he is also making great progress from a technical point of view, month after month. In Leipzig he grew exponentially, becoming more mature in his game choices. His qualities remain two: physical strength and speed. And we saw it this year in the Bundesliga.”

Milan are apparently pursuing him, what do you think?

“It’s not a question for me. Let me explain: I am happy with how he is growing at Leipzig and in general as a footballer. In this way he is becoming increasingly important for Slovenia too…”

But would he look good with the Rossoneri?

“The question is whether he will decide whether to change club. What I can say for sure is that whoever gets it is getting a bargain. Sesko is not one to disappoint.”

In short, with Leao and Pulisic he could exceed 20 goals…

“(Smiles) I know where he wants to go, but I can only say that Benjamin is a humble, respectful boy with an incredible desire to improve. He does not leave the field if he has not completed an exercise. Milan are a giant of European and world football. A team that deserves absolute respect. It doesn’t surprise me that they are interested in him.”

Is he better as a first striker or in tandem with someone else?

“It depends on the team he plays for. For me he excels in both cases, he is an ambitious worker. In Leipzig, as well as in the national team, he raised the level a lot. And he’s doing great. Although he is 21 years old he has the maturity of a 30-year-old. During the qualifying matches for the European Championship he did very well in tandem with another striker, Andraz Sporar, for example.”

And who does Sesko remind you of as a striker?

“He reminds me of… Benjamin Sesko. A 20-year-old who is making giant strides in European football. A boy who I hope remains as he is, that is, that the world of football is still a passion for him, as well as a profession. Comparing him to anyone else doesn’t seem right to me, so let me say that for me he is just Sesko.”