Leipzig chase €35m Kraichgauer talent as Hoffenheim trim squad

Hoffenheim attacker Fisnik Asllani is set to leave for RB Leipzig in a deal valued at €35 million, with the 23‑year‑old missing yesterday’s pre‑season friendly to avoid injury ahead of the move. The Kraichgauer hope to finalise the transfer soon as they seek to trim their 35‑man squad.

Hoffenheim, often referred to as the Kraichgauer, are eager to cash in on the €35 million‑valued attacker. The club has kept Asllani out of the first pre‑season friendly to protect him from injury before the transfer. By moving the 23‑year‑old, they also aim to reduce their 35‑man roster to the typical 30‑player limit common in the Bundesliga.

RB Leipzig, known as the German Red Bulls, maintain a 35‑man squad and must create space for new signings. The Saxons are reportedly considering the departure of Danish striker Conrad Harder and Brazilian Romulu to accommodate Asllani. Securing the Kraichgauer forward would add depth to their attack while aligning with squad‑size regulations.

This summer, Asllani has been linked with several Bundesliga heavyweights, including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Interest from Barcelona has also surfaced, but reports suggest the Catalans will instead target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Consequently, the Red Bulls remain the most plausible destination.

Fisnik is rumored to prefer a move abroad, yet negotiations point toward Leipzig as the leading candidate. notes that the transfer is looking increasingly likely, though finalisation still depends on squad‑adjustment decisions.

If the deal materialises, Hoffenheim will free up significant transfer funds and achieve a leaner squad ahead of the new season. For Leipzig, acquiring Asllani would bolster their attacking options while prompting the exit of Harder or Romulu to meet the 30‑player target.