Now we’re getting close to the summer transfer window, things are really starting to heat up in terms of Chelsea’s goals for the next few months.
Top of the list – as always – is a new striker. We all know the names by now – Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, perhaps a punt on Viktor Gyokeres.
But another name that’s coming up more and more in recent months is Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. Today, Philipp Hinze of Sky Germany dropped an interesting exclusive about his future:
“Due to Benjamin Šeškos’s good performances during the 2nd half of the season, his release clause has now risen to €65 million,” Hinze Tweeted.
“The amount depends on playing time, goals, and assists. In the maximum case, the sum can rise to €70m–€75m.”
So it’s not cheap, and it’s only going up as he finishes strongly. But at least it allows Chelsea a definite figure to aim for. Having paid so much for players like Romelu Lukaku in the past because they allowed desperation to take hold, this aspect is probably a positive one.
Another vital piece of data to help make the right decision
Of course there’s a huge amount going in to any potential deal, from the transfer fee to the wage costs to the other teams involved to the player’s wishes and so on. But a release clause does in theory make things more simple.
Rather than get dragged into a potential bidding war, it means Chelsea can establish at least one part of any deal right from the outset. That’s a tempting constant to have among so many variables. We saw with the moves for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson that these sporting directors will take the release clause option rather than get bogged down bidding against other teams. We wonder if this could be the factor that makes Sesko favourite?