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·2 August 2025
RB Leipzig boss addresses Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons exit links

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·2 August 2025
RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has directly addressed exit rumors surrounding Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons. The Bundesliga personnel boss spoke to reporters after a Saturday pre-season friendly against Atalanta Bergamo. Neither Sesko nor Simons (both linked with Premier League switches) suited up for the German Red Bulls against the Serie A side.
Schäfer made no attempt to beat around the bush when it came to Sesko’s omission from the squad. Newcastle and Manchester United continue to jostle for the Slovenian international’s services. The RB administrator flatly admitted that interest in Sesko precluded the 22-year-old’s participation in the match.
“Due to the very concrete interest from several clubs, we have decided that he will not play today,” Schäfer told Sky Germany. “When I say that strong interest has been registered and approaches have been made, it’s obvious what has happened.
“I would like to make it clear that this does not mean that he is on his way to another club,” Schäfer nevertheless continued. “And it also does not mean that Benji will not be playing next week.”
When it came to Simons, Schäfer reiterated that the Dutchman’s absence related solely to issues revolving around neck pain. A move to Chelsea remains likely, but the 22-year-old’s move to London is by no means a sealed deal yet. The German club hope to attain a significant transfer sum.
Simons and Sesko count as strong candidates for sale in any case. Thus far this summer, Leipzig have invested over €90m in new signings. The only RB transfer inlays remain Ilaix Moriba’s €6m sale to Celta Vigo and Yussuf Poulsen’s €1m sale to Leipzig.
Belgian striker Loïs Openda – also linked with a Premier League switch – featured in RB head coach Ole Werner’s starting XI on Saturday and scored the lone goal in the 1-2 defeat. Schäfer was not asked directly about Openda’s potential sale.
Openda too nevertheless counts as a strong candidate for departure. Leipzig currently maintain a 38-man professional squad; a significantly oversized squad by Bundesliga standards.
GGFN | Peter Weis