Brighton’s Brajan Gruda pleased to remain with RB Leipzig: “I kept my apartment.” | OneFootball

After scoring the winning goal in RB Leipzig’s first pre-season friendly of the summer, Brajan Gruda spoke on his renewed loan back to his current Bundesliga club after initially joining the German Red Bulls on a six-month arrangement in January 2025 from Premier League side Brighton.

The fact that the Germany U21 international contributed three goals and three assists in 11 Bundesliga appearances last year left RB eager to retain his services. Fortunately for all parties involved, the Seagulls were happy to negotiate a fresh loan.

Brajan Gruda’s new loan contains a €30m purchase option

If Gruda can maintain his form, Leipzig shall happily shell out a tidy sum to acquire Gruda on a permanent basis. Brighton will also gladly rake in performance bonuses if Gruda can keep up his production numbers over the course of the forthcoming 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign.

The importance of the 22-year-old’s presence isn’t merely limited to his ability to get his name on the scoresheet, however. With attacking stars such as Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa seeking to leave the club this summer, Gruda counts as an excellent insurance policy. 

Gruda’s new loan deal cost the Saxons only a paltry €1m loan fee.

Martin Demichelis pleased with Gruda

“I really like players like him,” Demichelis – as quoted by Kicker – told reporters after Leipzig’s 1-2 away victory over VSG Altglienicke this past weekend. “One needs players like him to keep quality ball possession.“

Gruda happy to be with Leipzig in the Bundesliga

“I was quick to remain here in Leipzig,” the player himself added. “I actually kept my apartment because I knew I wanted to be here.“

GGFN | Peter Weis