RB Leipzig still has these construction sites until the end of the transfer window

A busy summer had already been announced for RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer at the self-proclaimed departure. After the 0:6 opening debacle against FC Bayern, one could also speak of clean-up work at Leipzig's Cottaweg. RB Leipzig still have a good week left to thin out the squad, which still comprises more than 30 professionals, and at the same time improve its quality for the highest demands, i.e. Champions League qualification.

There was no sign of competitiveness at the German record champions and their highest Bundesliga defeat. This also prompted Red Bull's global head of soccer to travel to Leipzig to see for himself. Jürgen Klopp vehemently avoided standing in front of the team and thus perhaps weakening his favored new coach Ole Werner in the slightest.

Who can give RB structure in midfield?

Primarily, it was all about the big picture at RB's flagship club ahead of the deadline day on September 1. Who is capable of leading the team? Who can set the tone even when they are behind? Who is able to implement the coach's instructions? The impression of assembled egos is nothing new. After all, it is very surprising that new captain David Raum is already asking the question of mentality after the first game. At the same time, the international wants to lead the way. "We also have to make sure that we get everyone back on track for the weekend against Heidenheim," said the full-back.

Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is also clearly focused on the home opener against Heidenheim this Saturday (3.30pm/Sky): "That's our focus now. We're in a phase where we have to improve a lot of things. And that's what we'll do."

Xavi's future remains open

It remains to be seen whether Xavi Simons will still be in the squad. In Munich, he once again fell short of his own expectations. He is said to have reached a personal agreement with Chelsea FC, but the club world champion is also willing to pay the rumored transfer fee of around 70 million euros. RB has not yet made an official offer, but is expected to do so shortly.

"There are certainly talks and interested parties, of course," said Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff at the "Sport Bild" award in Hamburg on Monday evening, adding: "But it has to be right for all sides. And if that happens, then there could still be a departure. And if it doesn't happen, then Xavi Simon will be RB Leipzig's player this season."

Possible departures as further construction sites

Leipzig's sporting director Schäfer also repeatedly emphasized that he respects current contracts but clearly shows players their future at RB when it comes to other possible sales candidates. This is also the case with Timo Werner. "I don't have any new information on that and nothing else has been communicated to Timo from my side," said coach and namesake Werner before the game in Munich, adding: "Timo is currently part of our team."

The RB managers want to get Werner off the payroll, as they did André Silva (to FC Elche) and Lukas Klostermann. Another candidate is Eljif Elmas, who could be about to return to SSC Napoli. According to reports, Arthur Vermeeren no longer has any great prospects alongside Kevin Kampl, Amadou Haidara and Lutsharel Geertruida. The Belgian, who joined from Atletico Madrid last summer, was given a permanent contract until 2029 in January 2025.

Should there be any movement on the departures side, Leipzig could also become active with new arrivals. Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku, who enjoyed the most successful period of his career to date in Leipzig, could return to RB as part of the Xavi deal. And the 22-year-old Harvey Elliott from Liverpool FC could also be helped by the global soccer boss's contacts.