Dhe backdrop is worthy of a farewell game. RB Leipzig is expecting around 47,000 spectators for the clash with FC Bayern on Saturday (8.30 p.m., Sat1). Officially it is about the German Supercup. Leipzig as cup winners last season against the champions, who are often called FC Bayern. And unofficially?
Is the matter at least spicy. Konrad Laimer, 25-year-old Austria international, could make his last appearance for Leipzig before moving to Munich. Both clubs are long past the status of denying the personnel. FC Bayern’s interest in the midfielder is well known, and both parties are said to have agreed on a change. Bayern wants Laimer, and Laimer wants to go to Bayern. It just depends on the money. The previous offers from Munich were not high enough for those responsible in Leipzig.
talks rest
Allegedly, RB would like to generate a transfer fee of around 30 million euros, but Bayern only want to spend a little more than 20 million euros. The talks are currently on hold, on Saturday the decision-makers of both clubs could exchange personal information. From Leipzig’s point of view, the situation is not that simple. Laimer’s working paper expires on June 30th next year, an extension is currently as realistic as a fan friendship between the supporters of RB and Dynamo Dresden. In the worst case, Laimer would move to Munich in the summer of 2023, then without a fee.
RB coach Domenico Tedesco did not want to interpret the stalled negotiations as a disadvantage. “Of course it’s also clear on the subject: the longer it drags on, the more difficult it will be to do it. Time speaks for us,” he said. Allegedly, the player himself wants to have clarity as soon as possible and know where he will play in the upcoming season.
Tempting prospects
But clubs can sign players until September 1st. Bayern had proven last year that they could sometimes wait longer for access. At that time, Marcel Sabitzer only moved from Leipzig to Munich before the fourth matchday, he had started the season in the RB jersey. Before him, coach Julian Nagelsmann and defense chief Dayot Upamecano had taken the same path. Within a short period of time, Laimer would be the fourth important figure to move towards Säbener Straße.
This development is anything but agreeable to those responsible in Leipzig. So far, however, they have not been able to counteract this. It doesn’t help much that RB won the first title last season and, apart from Nagelsmann, no one from Leipzig has found happiness in Munich. Despite everything, the career prospects at FC Bayern are too tempting. Also for Laimer.
Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are considered to be set in Munich’s midfield, but behind the duo the Austrian could be the first contender to make a number of appearances given the many games that FC Bayern have to play in three competitions. There is a certain vacancy in Munich’s midfield. Corentin Tolisso has left the club for Lyon, Marc Roca has joined Leeds United and Sabitzer is a potential sell-off despite good preparation.
So far this summer it has been pretty quiet around RB. Tyler Adams, Nordi Mukiele, Hee Chan Hwang and Brian Brobbey are gone. Only Xaver Schlager is new, like Laimer Austrian, who comes from VfL Wolfsburg. Laimer’s status should not reach Schlager immediately. Under coach Tedesco, he was one of the pillars, skilfully steered RB’s game in midfield and was quite dangerous. Laimer contributed four goals in the Bundesliga, more than ever before. Last season was the most successful of his time in Leipzig, crowned by the victory in the DFB Cup against Freiburg. Now the Supercup could be added. As a parting gift. Quite unofficially. Understood.
