Šeško and Simons absent from RB Leipzig friendly, but for different reasons

RB Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Italian side Atalanta provided much more than just ninety minutes of football it gave fans and pundits a deeper look into the club’s current transfer situation, its squad depth, and the future of two of its most promising young stars, Benjamin Šeško and Xavi Simons.

On the pitch, Leipzig initially looked sharp and in control. Loïs Openda, the former Vitesse striker who had a standout campaign last season, was in the starting lineup alongside Johan Bakayoko. Both provided pace and directness in attack, testing Atalanta’s defensive structure early on. Dutch international Lutsharel Geertruida, meanwhile, began the match on the bench but came on in the second half to reinforce Leipzig’s backline.

The breakthrough came early. In the first half, Openda capitalized on a defensive lapse by Atalanta, meeting a well-delivered corner kick with a spectacular volley that left goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi with no chance. The goal electrified the home fans and seemed to confirm Leipzig’s early dominance. With precise passing and fluid movement, the German side maintained control for large stretches of the game and looked poised to cruise to a comfortable win.

However, Atalanta, under the tactical leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini and featuring midfield anchor Marten de Roon from the start, grew into the match. The Italians absorbed pressure, adjusted their shape, and began to find openings in Leipzig’s midfield. In the final quarter of the match, the tide shifted. Former Eredivisie forward Gianluca Scamacca, who has been revitalized since joining Atalanta, latched onto a cross and fired home the equalizer. Moments later, youngster Lorenzo Bernasconi struck what proved to be the winner after a slick team move, completing a late comeback and handing Leipzig a frustrating 2-1 defeat.

Yet, the bigger talking points came off the field. Fans quickly noticed the absence of Benjamin Šeško and Xavi Simons from the matchday squad. While both had trained earlier in the week, neither appeared on the team sheet a decision that immediately sparked speculation.

Marcel Schäfer, Leipzig’s sporting director, addressed the issue in a post-match interview with Kicker. “Due to the very concrete interest from several clubs, we decided that Šeško would not play today,” Schäfer stated. He clarified that the move was precautionary rather than disciplinary or injury-related. “There is strong interest, and we have an offer on the table.”

That offer, according to several British media outlets, has come from Newcastle United, who are reportedly ready to pay €75 million upfront for the 21-year-old Slovakian international, with an additional €5 million in performance-related bonuses. The staggering fee underscores how highly regarded Šeško is in the Premier League and how quickly his market value has skyrocketed since arriving in Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg.

Šeško, known for his towering frame, technical touch, and goal-scoring instincts, is viewed by many as one of the most promising strikers of his generation. Manchester United have also shown interest, seeing him as a potential long-term solution to their No. 9 position, while Newcastle are looking for a young striker to partner or eventually replace Alexander Isak.

Despite the intense interest, Schäfer urged caution. “It’s a clear sign that he’s on the right path in his career. But I want to make it clear that this doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to leave,” he added. Leipzig remain hopeful of convincing Šeško to stay at least one more season, especially with Champions League football on the horizon and the Bundesliga title race expected to be wide open.

As for Xavi Simons, the Dutch midfielder has returned to Leipzig on loan from Paris Saint-Germain after a successful stint last season, where he impressed with his creativity, pressing intensity, and tactical versatility. However, his future remains unclear. Chelsea have been monitoring Simons closely, seeing him as an ideal fit for their midfield rebuild. Talks are said to be ongoing, with PSG having the final say on whether to recall or sell the 21-year-old. His absence from the squad on Saturday, unlike Šeško's, is believed to be related to ongoing discussions between the three clubs involved.

Leipzig’s transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most eventful in recent memory. The club is known for developing young talent and selling at the right time, but it is also under increasing pressure to compete domestically and in Europe. Keeping key players like Šeško and Simons could be crucial to achieving those ambitions. For now, though, uncertainty hangs over both, and fans may have to wait until late August to know whether these stars will be part of Leipzig’s long-term plans or set for high-profile Premier League moves.