Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Benjamin Sesko release clause, Barcelona want Port Vale teen, Middlesbrough reject Aston Villa Morgan Rogers bid

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 January 2024

Sports Mole rounds up the latest January transfer rumours, including a release clause being present in Benjamin Sesko's RB Leipzig contract and Barcelona wanting to sign a Port Vale youngster.

Benjamin Sesko reportedly has a release clause present in his RB Leipzig contract that becomes active in the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old, who is one of the most highly-rated young forwards in Europe, is currently in his first campaign with the Bundesliga outfit.

However, Sesko has endured somewhat of a frustrating campaign, making seven starts and 16 substitute outings in all competitions with seven goals being scored during 2023-24.

While Leipzig would like to keep the Slovenia international in the long term, Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Philipp Hinze says that there is a €50m (£43m) in his contract.

Hinze claims that the buy-out option was required for a transfer to Leipzig to be finalised, but it creates an opportunity for interested clubs to make a formal approach in the future.

Arsenal and AC Milan have each been credited with an interest in Sesko, although no bids are expected to be made before the end of this month.

Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on December 10, 2023 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Barcelona are allegedly taking an interest in signing Port Vale youngster Liam Brazier at some point in 2024.

The Catalan giants are currently in a position where they are struggling to afford to add any senior players to their squad due to their well-documented financial issues.

An array of academy players have been provided with opportunities by head coach Xavi, yet it appears that he and club officials remain in the market for other prospects.

According to The Mirror, Barcelona are toying with the idea of moving for Brazier in the foreseeable future.

That is despite Brazier having only featured in three EFL Trophy matches for Vale, accumulating just the 20 minutes of action.

Vale have recently handed the starlet a professional contract in order to protect themselves from any offers from Barcelona or other teams.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery at half time on November 30, 2023 © Reuters

Aston Villa are reportedly still struggling to make headway in their effort to sign Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers.

Rogers - who came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Manchester City - has enjoyed a strong first campaign at the Riverside Stadium, contributing six goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Such form has led to interest from Villa who are seemingly ready to push as hard as required to get a deal over the line before the end of the month.

However, the Daily Mail says that Boro have now rejected a second offer for one of their most prized assets.

As it stands, it is unclear what offer is currently on the table for Rogers, who can play in a number of positions in the final third.

The former England Under-20 international holds a contract with Boro until the end of the 2026-27 season.