By Peter Vice
Germany’s “Sport Bild” reports that RB Leipzig are in agreement with both midfielder Kevin Kampl and defender Marcel Halstenberg on contract extensions.
The sporting tabloid and the “Deutsche Presse Agentur” also report that star striker Christopher Nkunku is prepared to sign a new deal in the event RB qualifies for the Champions’ League on the season’s final matchday.
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Slovene “midfield metronome” Kevin Kampl’s current working papers with RB Leipzig run through the end of next season. There have been talks about extending the throughout the spring. Germany’s main sporting tabloid reports that Kampl has an automatic extension clause built in his current deal that would automatically extend his contract should he make 24 appearances next year.
The German Red Bulls nevertheless wish to get ahead of any future issues and tie Kampl down longer term. “Sport Bild” reports that the club have effectively done so, coming to terms with him. The news regarding the the renewed cooperation should be announced soon.
The German sporting tabloid also notes that the Saxons have ironed out a contract extension with former German national team fullback Marcel Halstenberg. The 30-year-old sits on an expiring contract. Though a serious injury limited his involvement this season, Leipzig are apparently convinced that he is once again fit and can serve the team in the future.
That deal should also be made public shortly.
Regarding the two main outgoing transfer rumors at RB, there is little more to report in the case of Konrad Laimer. “Sport Bild” notes that the club certainly wishes to keep the Austrian, who’s current contract expires in 2023, but a pull of the player’s €40 million exit clause this summer by another club remains likely.
The stated desire to make the jump to a bigger club by star striker Christopher Nkunku might be end up being a moot point. Both “Sport Bild” Germany’s Associated press report that Nkunku is prepared to restructure his deal if Leipzig, as is likely, qualify for the Champions League.
The two sources also report that an exit clause, totaling some €65 million and invocation ready in 2023, will also be built into the deal. Nkunku’s current deal runs through 2024.
