Confirmed! RB Leipzig loans Baumgartner's rival again

What has been emerging in recent days is now official.

RB Leipzig is once again loaning attacking player Brajan Gruda (22) from Brighton & Hove Albion.

According to "kicker" information, the deal is said to include a mandatory purchase option, which should already take effect after a small number of appearances. The total package of loan and transfer fee, including bonuses, is reportedly worth around 30 million euros.

The 19-cap German U21 international moves to Leipzig with the experience of 39 appearances in the English Premier League, where he already played in the second half of last season. He scored three goals and provided three assists during that time.

Before his spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, the left-footed player also made 30 Bundesliga appearances for 1. FSV Mainz 05, scoring four goals and setting up three others.

"Provides us with even more options"

"When the opportunity arose to loan Brajan now, we were immediately enthusiastic. We have had him on our radar for several years and would have liked to bring him to Leipzig in 2024," said Marcel Schäfer, Leipzig's Managing Director for Sport.

"Even after that, contact never broke off. We are even happier now, even if it is initially a loan. We see Brajan in the number eight and number ten roles, where he gives us even more options," he added.

Gruda is therefore also likely to compete with ÖFB national team player Christoph Baumgartner, who also played in these positions last season.

The 26-year-old is currently sidelined due to injury, but is likely to have a starting spot secured after his recovery and a strong past season.