RB Leipzig Secure Romulo as €25m Replacement for Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig have moved swiftly to fill the void left by Benjamin Sesko’s big-money departure, sealing a €25 million deal for Brazilian striker Romulo from Turkish side Goztepe. The Bundesliga club had been tracking the 22-year-old for months, and with Sesko’s record-breaking move completed earlier this summer, negotiations accelerated to land their new No.9.
The agreement — reported by Fabrizio Romano — includes a €20m fixed fee, a further €5m in potential add-ons, and a sell-on clause, making this one of Goztepe’s biggest-ever transfers. For Leipzig, it’s a statement signing that underlines their determination to rebuild quickly and effectively after a disappointing domestic campaign.
The Search for Sesko’s Successor
Replacing Benjamin Sesko was never going to be simple. The Slovenian striker’s combination of physical presence, pace, and finishing ability made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared forwards. His €85m transfer to the Premier League — the second-biggest sale in Leipzig’s history behind Josko Gvardiol’s move to Manchester City — left a sizeable gap in Marco Rose’s attack.
But Romulo had been high on Leipzig’s radar for some time. Scouts had been impressed not just by his numbers, but by his ability to link play, create chances, and adapt to different tactical systems. For a club that thrives on developing young, dynamic talent, he fit the profile perfectly.
“We’ve been following Romulo closely for over a year,” a club source told local media. “His progress at Goztepe has been outstanding, and we believe he can take the next step here in Germany.”
Romulo’s Rise in Turkey
Romulo’s path to the Bundesliga has been anything but conventional. He arrived at Goztepe on loan from Athletico Paranaense in 2024, initially seen as a promising but raw talent. By the end of the 2024-25 season, he had scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions — numbers that turned heads across Europe.
His performances were instrumental in Goztepe’s push for the top end of the Turkish Süper Lig, and his permanent transfer earlier this year was followed by speculation he could be on the move again quickly. Leipzig’s interest never wavered, and when Sesko’s transfer funds hit the books, the German club made their move.
Goztepe, for their part, have been quick to praise Romulo’s impact and professionalism. “He’s been a fantastic player for us, on and off the pitch,” said a club spokesperson. “While we’re sad to see him go, we know this is a great opportunity for him.”
Timing the Arrival
Leipzig are hopeful Romulo can be registered in time for Saturday’s DFB-Pokal first-round clash against Sandhausen. If not, the target will be to have him ready for the Bundesliga opener next Friday — a daunting test away to champions Bayern Munich.
For a new signing, there’s no bigger baptism of fire than facing Bayern’s backline in front of a packed Allianz Arena. But those close to Romulo believe he has the mentality to handle the occasion. His blend of confidence and work rate has been a defining feature of his career so far.
Leipzig’s Premier League Production Line
Sesko’s transfer is just the latest in a long line of high-profile sales from Leipzig to the Premier League. Timo Werner to Chelsea, Naby Keita to Liverpool, Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea, Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool — the list reads like a who’s who of top-tier talent.
The model is clear: identify young, high-ceiling players, develop them into elite performers, and sell for a premium when the time is right. Romulo now becomes the latest in a long list of players brought in with the aim of following that trajectory.
Building for the Future
Leipzig’s recruitment drive isn’t stopping with Romulo. The club is actively pursuing Fabio Silva and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, while keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding Xavi Simons. The Dutch international has been linked with a Premier League switch, and his departure would add another layer of complexity to Leipzig’s rebuilding project.
The absence of European football this season — the result of a seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga — means Leipzig can focus fully on domestic competitions. The club’s hierarchy hopes that fewer midweek fixtures will allow Rose to work more intensively with his squad and integrate new signings faster.
Romulo’s Role in the Rebuild
While it’s tempting to view Romulo purely as Sesko’s replacement, Leipzig see him as more than just a like-for-like swap. His creativity, movement between the lines, and ability to combine with midfield runners could add new dimensions to their attack.
Leipzig’s style of play — high pressing, quick transitions, and vertical passing — should suit him perfectly. In Turkey, Romulo thrived when given space to attack, but he also demonstrated an ability to operate in tighter, more congested areas, something he’ll need often in the Bundesliga.
A Statement of Intent
This signing isn’t just about filling a vacancy — it’s a message that Leipzig intend to remain competitive despite losing one of their stars. Romulo may not arrive with the same global reputation as Sesko, but the club’s track record suggests they believe he can reach similar heights.
With Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund all strengthening this summer, Leipzig’s margin for error will be slim. But if Romulo adapts quickly, he could be a key figure in pushing the club back towards the top four — and perhaps even mounting another title challenge in the near future.
As things stand, Leipzig’s rebuild is taking shape. Romulo’s arrival is the centrepiece of that effort, a €25 million bet on potential, adaptability, and the belief that the club’s recruitment model still has plenty of mileage left.
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