RB Leipzig have surprisingly strengthened their squad shortly before the end of the transfer window by signing U21 international Brajan Gruda. The 21-year-old is on loan until the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion from the English Premier League and will be given the number 10 shirt at the Bundesliga club. "Brajan wants to play soccer regularly and we couldn't guarantee him that for the second half of the season," said Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler.
Gruda explained that there had always been contact between RB Leipzig and him in the past. "This gives me a good feeling and shows that the club and the people in charge are convinced of me and really want me in the team," said Gruda. The 2025 European U21 runner-up moved from Mainz to Brighton in the summer of 2024 for over €30 million.
Transfer talks as early as 2024
The midfielder has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, but has only started eight times. Leipzig only have a similar type of player to Gruda in their squad in Christoph Baumgartner, so the ex-Mainzer should get more playing time.
"We've had him on our radar for several years and would have liked to bring him to Leipzig in 2024. Even after that, we never lost touch," said sporting director Marcel Schäfer. "He has good speed, is technically adept and creative, and also has strong ball control. With his attitude, commitment and physicality, he also fits in with our defensive style."
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