RB Leipzig is reportedly planning to move away from high-cost transfers in the future, according to a recent report. Deals like the €50 million signing of Xavi Simons or the €40 million move for Loïs Openda would no longer be expected under this new strategy. The potential transfer of Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira (24) could serve as an early test of this revised spending limit.
The report suggests that Leipzig will no longer pay more than €30 million for any player. This figure was the fee paid for top defender Castello Lukeba (23) nearly three years ago, whose market value has since risen to €45 million. However, even the €30 million mark is expected to be an exception. Instead, the €20 million agreement for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz is seen as the benchmark for future deals.
Reitz, 23, will join Leipzig in the summer for €20 million. This follows the winter window acquisition of defensive talent Abdoul Koné (21) for €17 million, who was immediately loaned back to Stade Reims. Summer signings Yan Diomande, Rômulo, and Arthur Vermeeren all cost €20 million each, while Conrad Harder arrived for €24 million—slightly above the new limit but still under the €30 million cap. One reason for the spending restraint is Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Despite securing a Champions League spot for the upcoming campaign, Leipzig still plans to generate significant revenue through player sales. “Anyone who knows our club knows that numbers play an extremely important role,” said sporting director Marcel Schäfer recently. However, the scale of departures seen over the past three years—when nearly half the starting lineup was sold—is not expected this summer. According to Bild, Leipzig needs to generate around €113 million.
Castello Lukeba is likely to leave, given his 50% market value increase since joining. Captain David Raum (28) could also depart, reportedly carrying a release clause of around €40 million. Efforts to extend his contract may involve a “creative bonus arrangement,” per Sport Bild. Antonio Nusa (21) might attract offers after the World Cup. Guaranteed income comes from Juventus activating Loïs Openda’s purchase option for nearly €43 million.
Leipzig is also reportedly interested in Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira. The 24-year-old has a market value of €20 million, aligning with Leipzig’s desired spending level. However, Betis is asking for more than €25 million, according to the portal Zona Mixta. Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, and Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with Altimira in the past. A meeting between Altimira’s representatives and Leipzig’s Schäfer reportedly took place in Seville on Monday.
