No Money Despite the Diomande Deal? That's the Problem in Leipzig

Despite Yan Diomande’s mega-transfer to Madrid, Bundesliga club RB Leipzig will apparently have to do without expensive new signings for the time being. “It’s not accurate to think that, after a major transfer, we’re a club with a treasure chest full of money to spend,” sporting director Marcel Schäfer told *Sport-Bild*.

The Saxon club sold rising star Diomande to Real Madrid for 125 million euros. Combined with the transfer fee for Loïs Openda and various smaller sources of income, the club has generated over 170 million euros this summer. About 50 million euros were invested in new signings; most recently, the club signed Christopher Nkunku on loan from AC Milan.

Leipzig would like to strengthen its offense further, but two transfers recently fell through. There were concerns regarding Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani following his medical exam, while Cologne’s Said El-Mala would have been too expensive as part of the overall package. The club is currently pursuing Belgian player Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but faces significant—and potentially wealthier—competition for the striker. Even signing Nick Woltemade, who rarely plays for Newcastle, would only be feasible via a loan.

Red Bull’s funding is limited

Schäfer explained that Leipzig cannot spend money recklessly, despite its financial backer Red Bull. “There is a national and international squad cost rule,” said the manager. The rule stipulates that a maximum of 70 percent of revenue may be invested in transfer fees, salaries, and agent fees. Sponsorship payments must be in line with market rates—and Leipzig’s market value has recently declined due to a season without European competition.

Consequently, revenue must be generated from new signings. “That’s why we still have a lot of work to do on the outgoing side financially, because we need to bring the roster back down to a healthy size,” Schäfer emphasized. Castello Lukeba was actually considered a candidate for sale, but there is currently no market for the French center back. For other players on the chopping block, only loan destinations may be found.