Brajan Gruda’s time at RB Leipzig may not be over yet, with a farewell for the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee cancelled at the last minute.
BILD report that there has been a sudden change in the plans at RB Leipzig, which may mean he ends up staying after all.
RB Leipzig farewell cancelled
Sport Witness covered a report yesterday explaining that Brajan Gruda is set to return to Brighton this summer. He’s on loan at RB Leipzig but a permanent deal doesn’t make financial sense for them.
Thus, they were planning to say goodbye to him this weekend, alongside other departing players. Except, BILD report there’s now been a change of plans.
While Xaver Schlager and Kosta Nedeljkovic will receive bouquets of flowers, the ‘farewell ceremony’ for Gruda has been cancelled ‘at short notice’.
According to the newspaper, this is following ‘further lengthy negotiations’ with Gruda during the week. He made it clear that he comfortable at the German club. The Bundesliga side then subsequently decided to not give him a sendoff.
Now talks with Brighton are ‘expected to intensify’ after the end of the season. The development has offered a ‘glimmer of hope’ that Gruda could continue playing at RB Leipzig in the future.
Brighton transfer demands
But there is still a long way to go to make that happen. According to BILD, Brighton are demanding a transfer fee of €30m for the 21-year-old.
Another loan deal could be a possibility, possibly with an option or obligation to buy. The latter would absolutely suit Brighton. the next few weeks will be decisive in working that out.
One thing is certain, Gruda is keen to remain in Leipzig. They are also keen to keep him. Coach Ole Werner made that clear this week.
“He was an absolute asset for us and still is. It’s been a win-win situation,” he said.
“What happens in the summer, we’ll see. But the fact that we all really enjoy working with him here, that he also enjoys being here, and that we play a style of football in which he can help us and in which he can also develop further, is a good foundation.”
With his farewell now cancelled, there is a clear belief that Leipzig will try and make the return happen. The deal has gone from dead and not happening, to alive again in the space of 24 hours.
