Arjun Menon
Leipzig Reaches Verbal Agreement with Gladbach’s Reitz
RB Leipzig has reportedly secured a verbal agreement with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz, positioning him as a potential replacement for the departing Xaver Schlager. However, significant hurdles remain regarding the transfer fee, with Leipzig reportedly unwilling to meet Gladbach’s valuation.
This development comes after RB Leipzig confirmed in early February that Schlager, 28, would not extend his contract and would leave the club in the summer after four years. Prepared for this departure, the Red Bulls swiftly moved to identify a successor.
Initially reported by Bild, discussions for Reitz to join the Saxons were already well underway shortly after the announcement of Schlager’s exit. Sky and Kicker have since corroborated that a verbal agreement has been reached between Leipzig and Reitz, with a contract potentially running until 2031.
Despite the player’s agreement, a quick resolution between the clubs is unlikely. Reports indicate a considerable gap between Leipzig’s and Gladbach’s expectations for the transfer fee. Leipzig views Reitz’s embedded release clause as too high and is reportedly not planning to activate it.
Differing Valuation Spoil Transfer Talks
The 23-year-old central midfielder is currently under contract with the Foals until 2028, but a summer option allows for an earlier departure. Estimates for this release clause vary: Bild suggests around €20 million, while Kicker reports €25 million. Sky puts the figure between €25 million and €28 million.
Regardless of the exact amount, the stipulated transfer fee surpasses Reitz’s current market value of €17 million. The Germany youth international had last extended his contract with Gladbach in February 2024, leading to two subsequent increases in his Transfermarkt valuation. Other clubs reportedly showing interest, though less concretely than Leipzig, include Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, and Brighton.
Reitz has been a consistent starter for Gladbach this season, featuring in 24 matches from the beginning.
“I regret the decision, but it is also legitimate. We would have liked to continue with him. He is an important part of the team and has delivered very good things for the club,”
said RB coach Ole Werner about Schlager’s impending departure. He added that the club was well-prepared, stating, “This doesn’t catch us cold.” Schlager joined Leipzig in 2022 for €12 million from VfL Wolfsburg and, despite battling severe injuries, recently crossed the 100-match milestone for the club.
Reitz, the targeted successor, shared his thoughts in October via Bild:
“Every player defiantly has dreams. Of special clubs, of special competitions. At the moment, I am not thinking about it at all. I have been a Borussia player for more than 16 years. And a lot would have to happen for me to even consider ending the Gladbach chapter.”
In the absence of the injured Tim Kleindienst, Reitz has worn the captain’s armband for Gladbach. He joined the club at age seven in 2009 and, apart from two years on loan at VV St. Truiden in Belgium, has remained with the Foals ever since.
Leipzig coach Werner outlined the profile for Schlager’s replacement:
“It is important for us to have an axis that guarantees a certain basic level, even if the performances of the young players around them fluctuate. Therefore, we need players who can quickly take on a leadership role. (…) We need players who know how the league works and have a certain amount of experience. They don’t have to be 32 years old.”