Gruda farewell cancelled as RB Leipzig push to keep loanee

RB Leipzig are reportedly stepping up their efforts to retain Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Brajan Gruda beyond the end of the season.

Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images

Gruda’s loan spell at Leipzig can already be viewed as a success, with the attacking midfielder impressing in his short time at the club. Despite expectations that he would return to Brighton in the summer, the Saxony-based club now appear determined to explore ways of extending his stay.

According to reports from BILD, Gruda will no longer receive a planned farewell ceremony ahead of today’s Bundesliga clash between RB Leipzig and FC St. Pauli. The decision follows reports that surfaced yesterday claiming the 21-year-old would head back to his parent club at the end of the campaign.

The cancellation is believed to be linked to ongoing negotiations between Leipzig and Brighton over a possible longer-term agreement. Gruda is currently on loan from the Premier League side until the conclusion of the season, but discussions over his future remain active.

Since arriving in Leipzig during the winter transfer window, the talented Gruda has quickly established himself as an important figure in Ole Werner’s side. Across 11 Bundesliga appearances, he has contributed three goals and three assists, providing exactly the attacking spark Leipzig had been searching for.

Leipzig are therefore keen to secure the attacking midfielder’s services beyond the summer. However, Brighton are reportedly demanding a fixed fee of around €30 million for a permanent transfer - a figure viewed as excessive by the Bundesliga club. As a result, Leipzig are said to be prioritising another loan deal for the technically gifted youngster.