RB Leipzig hosted Atalanta Bergamo in their season-opening friendly, but all eyes were on the stands rather than the pitch.

When RB Leipzig lined up, fans and scouts quickly noticed someone missing: Benjamin Sesko.

Leipzig’s top striker wasn’t injured.

He wasn’t suspended.

Alexander Isak's hopes of Liverpool move take a hit with Man United leading race for potential Newcastle replacement Benjamin Sesko	Report: What Newcastle failing to sign Benjamin Sesko would mean for Alexander Isak joining Liverpool	'Benjamin Sesko is coming' - Man United fans wowed by David Ornstein's reveal

Instead, he watched from the VIP section next to his girlfriend and his agent, Elvis Basanovic.

It’s no secret Newcastle United have submitted a formal bid for the Slovenian striker—€75m plus €5m in bonuses.

That’s serious money.

And while Sesko himself hasn’t made a final decision, this is exactly the type of move that could send ripple effects through the Premier League.

Why does this matter to Liverpool?

If Newcastle land Sesko, it could open the door for a potential exit for Alexander Isak.

The Swedish striker has long been admired for his pace, technical ability, and goal threat—qualities Liverpool would value in a potential addition.

So while Liverpool might not be involved in the Sesko sweepstakes directly, they’ve got every reason to be watching closely.

After Leipzig’s 2–1 loss to Atalanta, sporting director Marcel Schäfer addressed the elephant in the room, Sesko’s absence.

“In Benji’s case, several clubs have shown concrete interest,” Schäfer admitted as per BILD.

“And based on the overall situation, we have decided that he will not play today.”

Still, he clarified that the absence didn’t mean a move was already set, “But, I would like to emphasize this clearly: That does not mean that he will not play next week either.”

This isn’t Leipzig’s first time dealing with big interest in Sesko.

Schäfer recalled last summer, “I think we had the same situation with Benji last year.”

“Everyone knows the outcome.”

“So I want to make it clear that he’s not heading off to just any club now.”

There’s no panic in the Leipzig camp.

Even Sesko himself is involved in every decision.

“Even in situations like this, our rule is that we make a decision together.”

“It’s also clear that he always wants to play, that he’s incredibly ambitious.”

With Manchester United also lurking—but unable to bid just yet—this situation could move fast.

If Newcastle land their man, Liverpool might finally get the opening they need to make a real play for Isak.

Timing, as always in the market, is everything.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone?
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.