Liverpool could be on the hunt for a new forward this summer as they look for Mohamed Salah’s long-term replacement, while there are doubts over the future of Darwin Nunez, with Benjamin Sesko eyed as a target
Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson has urged his old club to swerve on a move for Red Bull Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, claiming he is “not worth it” and won’t fit into Arne Slot’s system. The Reds are preparing for next season already after clinching the Premier League title and will be eager for more firepower up front despite Mohamed Salah signing a new deal.
Salah has penned a two-year extension but there will be a desire to nail down a successor given the Egyptian is about to turn 33, while there are doubts over the future of Darwin Nunez.
Sesko has been earmarked as a potential target for Liverpool after another impressive season saw him score 21 goals in all competitions, with 13 strikes coming in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal have also been linked with the player amid their search for a reliable No 9, though he is said to have a release clause of around £68million – which has shot up from £60m due to a performance-based clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old should have plenty of suitors this summer but Johnson – who featured 200 times for Liverpool between 2009 and 2014 – has told the Reds to consider other targets.
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Johnson claimed he is not worth his huge price tag and also shed doubt on the quality of targets like Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Speaking to TG Casino, Johnson said: “Benjamin Sesko doesn’t really excite me enough to justify paying the big bucks for him,’ Johnson told TG Casino.
“I’d say the same about Liam Delap and Ollie Watkins too. I never think signing someone for the sake of it is a good idea unless you think they’re worth it, and none of those names are for me.
“You have to think about how these players will fit into your system and I don’t think there’s many strikers on the market that would suit what Arne Slot is looking for. There are other areas of the pitch that they can prioritise first.”
Sesko recently spoke out on his future to admit “anything can happen”, but insisted he was focused on his current employers for now.
“Right now, I’m 100 per cent focused on RB Leipzig,” the striker told Sky Germany on Tuesday. Then we’ll see what happens. It’s open, anything can happen.”
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