The transfer market is buzzing with intrigue, and RB Leipzig’s star striker Benjamin Sesko is at the center of it all. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward, who has lit up the Bundesliga with his explosive performances, is reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster move. With Premier League giants Manchester United and Newcastle United locked in a fierce battle to secure his signature, Leipzig are already planning for life after their talisman. And in a surprising twist, Chelsea’s young striker Marc Guiu has emerged as a prime candidate to fill Sesko’s boots.
Sesko has been a revelation for RB Leipzig, netting an impressive 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season. His blend of physicality, pace, and clinical finishing made him a hot commodity, with Chelsea among the clubs heavily linked to him earlier this summer. However, the Blues shifted their focus, signing Ipswich Town’s promising English striker Liam Delap in June, effectively removing Sesko from their transfer shortlist.
Now, according to a recent report by Sport, Sesko’s departure from Leipzig seems “almost certain” this transfer window. Manchester United and Newcastle are actively negotiating with the German club, as confirmed by journalist Florian Plettenberg via X. If Sesko does leave, Leipzig will face the daunting task of replacing a player who has been pivotal to their attacking prowess.
Enter Marc Guiu, Chelsea’s 19-year-old Spanish striker, who has caught Leipzig’s eye as the ideal replacement for Sesko. The teenager, signed from Barcelona for a bargain fee last year, fits the profile Leipzig are seeking: young, dynamic, and brimming with potential. Guiu’s raw pace and goal-scoring instinct have already turned heads, despite limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Guiu made 16 appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring six goals across all competitions. While those numbers are promising, the intense competition for places in Chelsea’s attack—featuring new signing Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Nicolas Jackson—has made regular game time hard to come by. As a result, Chelsea are open to loaning Guiu out for the 2025/26 season to ensure he gets the consistent minutes needed to develop.
Leipzig aren’t alone in their pursuit of Guiu. Sport reports that Sunderland, Real Sociedad, and Roma are also in the race for the young forward. Sunderland, in particular, have opened talks with Chelsea about a potential loan move, aiming to bolster their squad as they push for promotion in the Championship. However, Chelsea fans are skeptical about a move to Sunderland, fearing it may not guarantee the regular playing time Guiu needs to flourish.
🚨🔴 Manchester United held concrete talks with Benjamin #Sesko during RB Leipzig’s training camp and also on site, as reported. There is and was always a feeling that Sesko would choose #MUFC over all other current options. Christopher Vivell is very eager to bring Sesko in.… pic.twitter.com/jgMIwsCNED
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 30, 2025
For Guiu, a loan move feels like the perfect next step. His potential is undeniable, and Chelsea view him as a key part of their long-term plans. The club’s decision to sign him from Barcelona was hailed as a coup, and his performances in limited minutes last season only reinforced that belief. A loan spell at a club like Leipzig, where he could step into Sesko’s role and play regularly in a competitive league, could be transformative for his development.
Sunderland, on the other hand, offers a different kind of opportunity. The Championship’s physicality and relentless schedule could test Guiu’s resilience, but concerns linger among Chelsea supporters about whether the Black Cats can provide the platform he needs to shine. Leipzig, with their attacking philosophy and track record of nurturing young talent, might just be the better fit.
Chelsea’s attacking options are stacked, with Delap, Pedro, and Jackson vying for the starting striker role. This depth has pushed Guiu down the pecking order, but his potential remains undeniable. The Blues are keen to monitor his progress closely, knowing he could return as a polished gem ready to lead their attack in the future.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Guiu’s next move. Will Leipzig secure their Sesko replacement and give the young Spaniard a chance to shine in the Bundesliga? Or will Sunderland, or perhaps another suitor, swoop in to offer him a stage to prove himself? One thing is certain: Marc Guiu’s journey is just beginning, and his next step could define his path to stardom.