RB Leipzig’s proposed move for German attacking prospect Mala is in doubt, with the club yet to make a direct offer to Koln and concerns growing that the total cost could exceed €60m, according to Bild.
Leipzig are working to complete their squad before the transfer window closes, but have made no significant progress in the market for the past two weeks. The club would ideally like to sign up to three more players: a number six or number eight midfielder, a winger and a striker.
At the same time, as many as six players could leave the squad.
Leipzig’s management team of Marcel Schafer, Sebastian Schuppan and Daniel Beier is working with Zsolt Low and Mario Gomez from the Red Bull global system on the final composition of the squad.
Mala has been identified as a possible replacement for Jan Diomande, and Leipzig have made an enquiry to Koln about the player. However, they are not currently planning to submit a direct offer, which is a common approach in the transfer market.
Bild reports that Mala will not travel on Koln’s flight to Leipzig on Thursday. The two clubs and the player remain under pressure to reach a decision quickly, with the transfer deadline drawing closer.
Mala’s proposed move to Dortmund previously collapsed after the club refused to meet Koln’s €50m basic asking price. There are also doubts within Leipzig about whether a deal would be financially viable. Koln could increase their demands as the deadline approaches, and the transfer may fail completely if the overall package rises above €60m.
Nkunku return remains possible
Leipzig are also attempting to bring back Christopher Nkunku, who spent four years at the club between 2019 and 2023.
The current proposal under discussion is a loan deal. The France international can operate in a number of attacking roles and has recently also been used as a centre-forward.
Nkunku has offers from other clubs and has asked for more time before deciding on his future. Leipzig, however, have limited time in which to wait for his answer.
The club are also preparing for their first departure of the summer. Lutsharel Geertruida is set to join PSV on loan, with the agreement including a €15m buy-out option.
The 26-year-old defender has been in the Netherlands since Tuesday evening while the final details of the deal are completed. The transfer is expected to be officially announced on Friday.
Eljif Elmas, also 26, is reportedly close to returning to Italy.
Lukas Klostermann, 30, Arthur Vermeeren, 21, Konrad-Harder, 21, and Souleymane Sane, 18, are also regarded as likely to leave Leipzig. Sane joined the club only during this year’s winter transfer window.
By contrast, Leipzig expect 20-year-old Tidiam Gomis and 19-year-old Andrija Maksimovic to remain with the squad. Head coach Martin Demichelis has made it clear that he wants both young players to stay.
Off-field sale raises €250,000
Away from transfer activity, Leipzig have sold the container buildings that had previously served as temporary offices at the entrance to their training ground.
The Austrian external company that bought the buildings paid €250,000, according to Bild. The three-storey complex covers 2,600 square metres and consists of 180 containers.
Demolition work is expected to continue until April 2027.
The site was also used by UEFA during the Europa Conference League final at the end of May this year. The containers had been unused since December 2025, when about 350 Leipzig employees moved into the club’s new €60m office building.
They were installed at the training ground in 2019 and expanded two years later.
