Chelsea and Newcastle have both been handed significant transfer boosts with RB Leipzig leaving out Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko from their squad for an upcoming friendly against Atalanta. Simons is edging closer to a move to Chelsea, while Newcastle’s £70m bid for Sesko has opened the door for a potential Premier League move for the Slovenian striker.
RB Leipzig’s decision to leave Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko out of their pre-season friendly squad has sent shockwaves through the transfer market, providing Chelsea and Newcastle United with fresh hope of securing both players.
Simons Nearing Chelsea Move:
Simons, who has been a standout player for Leipzig in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons, is reportedly nearing a £60 million ($81 million) move to Chelsea. With the Blues already in advanced negotiations, it appears only a matter of time before the Dutch midfielder finalizes his transfer to west London. Chelsea’s pursuit of Simons could add yet another attacking talent to their already star-studded squad, though it may also cause selection headaches for manager Enzo Maresca, who already has a wealth of options in the attacking midfield and winger positions.
Sesko’s Move to Newcastle:
Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, another sought-after Leipzig star, has also been left out of the squad for Saturday’s friendly against Atalanta. The Slovenian forward, who was linked with top European clubs this summer, saw his future take a twist on Saturday when Newcastle submitted a formal bid of £70 million (€80 million) for his services. If accepted, the transfer could kick off a domino effect in the Premier League, with reports suggesting that this deal may pave the way for Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
The Bigger Picture:
As both players move closer to Premier League transfers, the question now shifts to how they will fit into their new teams. For Chelsea, adding Simons to their roster will certainly bolster their attacking options, though competition for places is set to intensify. Meanwhile, Sesko’s arrival at Newcastle would be a major coup for Eddie Howe, offering the Magpies a potent attacking option.
For Leipzig, losing two key players in the same transfer window could be a major setback, especially given the German side’s struggles last season. With both Simons and Sesko contributing heavily to the team’s attacking output — 36 goal contributions combined for Simons and 34 for Sesko — Leipzig will now need to find replacements capable of replicating their impact.
What’s Next for Leipzig?
RB Leipzig’s pre-season preparations are far from over, with upcoming friendlies against Atalanta and RC Lens still on the horizon. The club will be keen to finish their transfer business without losing any more of their key players as they aim for a stronger campaign than last season’s 7th-place finish in the Bundesliga. However, with Simons and Sesko’s futures now uncertain, Leipzig’s ability to retain their remaining stars will be crucial in determining their success this term.
