Leipzig football has been a dominant force in Europe, attracting top talents from across the continent. The summer transfer window saw the departure of star player Dani Olmo to La Liga giants Barcelona for a whopping £51m. While this could have sparked concern among Leipzig fans, the club’s managing director of sport, Marcel Schafer, saw it as a confirmation of the club’s philosophy to attract and develop young talents.
The sale of Olmo follows a successful Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, where he finished as joint top scorer. His departure from Leipzig adds to a stellar list of names who have been recruited by the club or the wider Red Bull model, developed, and sold on for a handsome profit. The list includes midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool, forward Christopher Nkunku, who moved to Chelsea, and defender Josko Gvardiol, who signed for Manchester City for a club-record £77m.
However, Leipzig’s success in developing and selling talent doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a stepping stone for bigger clubs. As Schafer explains, the club has a distinct strategy to attract and develop young players, providing them with the best possible environment to grow and succeed. “My feeling after the first transfer window was that the players definitely want to come to Leipzig because they saw so many examples in the past,” Schafer says. “They see exactly that this club has huge potential, is a perfect club, not only in Germany but in the whole of Europe for young, top talents.”
Leipzig’s Transfer Strategy: Developing Young Talents
RB Leipzig’s transfer strategy is built around attracting young, talented players and providing them with the necessary tools to develop their skills. The club’s approach has proven successful, with several players going on to achieve great things both domestically and internationally. Schafer believes that this strategy is key to the club’s success, stating that “we are confirming it every single summer in every transfer window, we are the perfect club for young players, to help them for a certain time in their career and then to bring them to absolutely top clubs.”
One of the most notable signings this summer was 19-year-old winger Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge. Nusa is highly touted and has already made a significant impact on the team. Other new signings include teenage midfield prospects Assan Ouedraogo and Arthur Vermeeren, initially on loan, 22-year-old goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, and 24-year-old defender Lutsharel Geertruida. These additions demonstrate the club’s commitment to developing young players and providing them with opportunities to shine.
Retaining Top Talent: A New Challenge for Leipzig
While Leipzig has been successful in developing and selling talent, the club faces a new challenge in retaining top players. The departures of stars like Olmo and Gvardiol have raised questions about the club’s ability to keep its best players. However, Schafer remains optimistic, stating that “it is not only Dani Olmo, it is Josko Gvardiol, it is Szoboszlai, it is Nkunku, and so many more examples. They see exactly that this club has huge potential, is a perfect club, not only in Germany but in the whole of Europe for young, top talents.”
Benjamin Sesko: The Complete Striker
One player who could be key to Leipzig’s success this season is 21-year-old Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko. Sesko scored 18 goals last season after arriving from Salzburg and signed a new deal in June amid reported interest from Arsenal. Schafer has high praise for Sesko, calling him a “complete striker” with a good header, left and right foot, and a good mindset. However, Schafer also acknowledges that Sesko needs to keep working hard to reach his full potential.
RB Leipzig’s Infrastructure: Providing the Best Environment for Young Players
One of the key factors behind Leipzig’s success is the club’s impressive infrastructure. The club’s training facilities, pitches, and coaching staff provide a top-class environment for young players to develop their skills. Schafer emphasizes the importance of this infrastructure, stating that “if you want to work and develop young players every single day, you need a very good infrastructure, we have it – the pitches, the training facilities, it is really on a high standard.”
The club’s commitment to developing young players is also evident in its coaching staff, led by head coach Marco Rose. The team of experts around the players, including medical staff, athletic teams, and even cooks who prepare meals, all play a crucial role in helping young players reach their potential. Schafer believes that this setup provides the perfect environment for young players to grow and succeed.
Challenges Ahead: Producing Homegrown Talent
One challenge that Leipzig faces is producing homegrown talent through its academy. While the club has invested heavily in its academy, it has yet to produce a significant number of top-class players. Schafer acknowledges this challenge, stating that “we have invested a lot, we worked a lot in the academy, but the most important thing is not a championship or winning games – this is just a part of developing a winning mentality.”
However, there are signs of hope with the emergence of 16-year-old midfielder Viggo Gebel, who made his debut this season. Schafer believes that Gebel is a good example of how the club can handle the future, but acknowledges that more needs to be done to develop homegrown talent.
As Leipzig continues to evolve and grow, Schafer remains optimistic about the club’s future prospects. With a strong infrastructure, a clear transfer strategy, and a commitment to developing young players, Leipzig is well-positioned to continue its rise to the top of European football.