As reported by Kicker, Christoph Baumgartner could leave Hoffenheim for RB Leipzig in the summer.
Die Roten Bullen are in pole position to sign the highly rated Austrian midfielder, however, a move would be dependent on whether both clubs could agree on a transfer fee. The 23-year-old does have a €32m release clause in his contract, but the Saxons will be looking to negotiate the price down.
Had Hoffenheim fallen to relegation, the exit clause would have been halved. The reports are suggesting that Die Kraichgauer would be willing to listen to proposals between the current exit clause and the relegation clause.
Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen made it clear that there will be significant changes this summer to the squad after their final day draw against Stuttgart: “Our team will have a different face.” Before explaining how the alterations to the squad will be “a little bigger” than usual.
Baumgartner has appeared 138 times for Hoffenheim since his debut in the 2018/19 campaign. In that time he has scored 30 goals and collected 11 assists while also receiving 27 caps for the Austrian national side.
Baumgartner’s contract does expire in 2025, which means that Hoffenheim are in a good position to negotiate an appropriate fee for the midfielder. Leipzig will be looking to strengthen their side this summer after missing out on the Meisterschale by five points to Bayern Munich.
GGFN | Will Shopland
