RB Leipzig in negotiations with Köln over Max Finkgräfe purchase | OneFootball

Philipp Hinze reports that RB Leipzig are targeting FC Köln’s Max Finkgräfe. The 21-year-old counts as an excellent candidate to help the German Red Bulls at the left back position. It is such that, Hinze reports, the two Bundesliga clubs are in close contact and discussing a transfer sum.

For much of this summer, Finkgräfe seemed destined to follow his Köln teammate Tim Lemperle in moving to Hoffenheim. Interest from die Kraichgauer  has nevertheless now cooled. One potential reason for this concerns the fact that new TSG signing Bernardo can also feature at left back.

Both Bundesliga clubs still require quite a bit of help on the left-hand side. German international David Raum remains RB’s only trained left back. Hoffenheim have only the disappointing Alexander Prass following the summer departures of Christopher Lenz and David Jurasek.

Finkgräfe made only 14 2. Bundesliga appearances for die Geißböcke this season and is not thought to have a future in the cathedral city. The 22-year-old sits on an expiring contract and his current club would be happy to offload him.

At present, Finkgräfe still maintains an estimated €4m market value. Hinze writes that Leipzig are currently negotiating a transfer fee in the low-to-mid single digit million range.

At his peak whilst representing Köln in the top flight during the 2023/24 campaign, Finkgräfe was a €6m-valued player.

The Mönchengladbach native does bring with him the experience of 24 Bundesliga appearances with one goal in the German top flight.

GGFN | Peter Weis