Assumes Werner’s whereabouts
Rouven Schröder, sports director of RB Leipzig, spoke in a “Picture“Interview spoke in detail about the Saxons’ plans for the upcoming winter transfer window. The focus is on soon-to-be newcomers Eljif Elmas, Timo Werner, Ilaix Moriba, Lukas Klostermann and Galatasaray loan player Angeliño.
Elmas will most likely be a Leipzig player on January 1st. Napoli club boss Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed the sale of the 24-year-old on Friday, only the club’s official announcement is still missing (to the news). Schröder did not make any statement about the North Macedonian midfielder, but explained that they would stick with a new addition as a replacement for Emil Forsberg (moving to the New York Red Bulls). “With Dani Olmo and Willi Orban, two absolute top performers who we have been missing recently are coming back in January. “In addition, we practically get another defender in El Chadaille Bitshiabu,” said the 48-year-old.
The majority of Schröder’s work will therefore deal with possible departures. This could also include Werner, who has reportedly been approved for a loan deal. Nevertheless, the RB boss explained: “I assume that he will play the second half of the season with us. We know what he is capable of doing, he has to get it back on the pitch.” In the first half of the season, the former 53 million sale was only in the starting line-up four times and played a total of 386 minutes.
Moriba, who came from FC Barcelona for 16 million euros in 2021, was used even less often. The 20-year-old still plays no role in coach Marco Rose’s plans, was not substituted in the first half of the season and is due to be loaned out. “Ilaix has trained well over the last six months, behaves perfectly, and Marco also has a very good exchange with him. But there is a lot of competition in his position. Ilaix is certainly interesting for many clubs, but it’s always about what the player wants. We are confident that a loan deal will work out this winter, because one thing is clear: he has to play.” Moriba spent the last season and a half at FC Valencia.
Klostermann is one of the three most valuable Bundesliga professionals with an expiring contract and is still taking his time deciding whether to stay or move. “We would like Lukas to extend his contract. He is important for us, a seasoned player, he has an incredible history in our club. I think we will soon have clarity on this, which is what we want. The cards have been laid,” said Schröder. The defender has been under contract with the Saxons since 2014, only Yussuf Poulsen (2013) from the current squad has been there longer.
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RB Leipzig and the Angeliño problem at Galatasaray: Schröder remains relaxed
Schröder currently has a special topic in mind in Turkey. Galatasaray has not used loanee Angeliño since October because the purchase obligation of 6 million euros would apply with another game. According to reports, the Süper Lig club is pushing for the loan to be canceled – but that is out of the question for Schröder.
“We are very relaxed there. A contract is a contract. Gala knew what they were concluding. We assume that the bond will be drawn for 6 million euros. There’s nothing more to say about it,” explained the Leipzig native. If the Spaniard is no longer used by the end of the season, he would return to the Bundesliga in the summer. He still has a contract with RB until 2025.
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