Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani’s transfer to RB Leipzig imminent | OneFootball

Sport Bild reports that Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani has chosen RB Leipzig over Barcelona and that a transfer is imminent. The tabloid reports that Leipzig and the 23-year-old Kosovo international must now only reach an agreement concerning his salary. The Saxon club intend to activate the release clause contained in Asllani’s Hoffenheim contract.

The precise fee depends on the purchasing club, but reports have consistently placed the clause between €25m and €29m. A completed deal would make Asllani one of Hoffenheim’s ten most expensive departures and one of Leipzig’s ten costliest signings, according to Transfermarkt.

Asllani omitted from Hoffenheim training-camp squad

Further evidence of an imminent departure arrived on Sunday when Hoffenheim confirmed their squad for a training camp in Seefeld, Austria. Asllani was not included in the travelling party for the camp, which runs from August 2 through August 9. His omission allows the forward to resolve his future away from the rest of the first-team squad.

The striker had already been left out of Hoffenheim’s recent friendly squad amid speculation that a move to Leipzig was becoming increasingly likely. Hoffenheim managing director for sport Andreas Schicker acknowledged at the beginning of pre-season that discussions were taking place with clubs from Germany and abroad.

Sport Bild reports that the transfer could be completed while Hoffenheim remain in Austria. Leipzig would nevertheless reportedly prefer to move on one of the strikers already present in their squad before finalising the agreement.

Leipzig continue reshaping attacking department

Leipzig are searching for another centre-forward capable of competing with Brazilian striker Rômulo. Asllani is not the only attacker recently linked with a move to Saxony. An unnamed adviser working with Wolfsburg forward Mohamed Amoura claimed on Sunday that negotiations with Leipzig were already advanced.

Sky Germany subsequently disputed the Amoura report, stating that neither an imminent agreement nor advanced discussions existed. Asllani’s reported decision now appears to make him Leipzig’s preferred attacking target. His ability to operate as a traditional centre-forward, support striker or wider attacker would provide the club with additional tactical flexibility.

The Berlin native produced the strongest top-flight campaign of his career last season, registering 11 goals and ten assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.

His estimated market value subsequently rose from €8m to €35m, meaning Leipzig could acquire the forward for considerably less than his current valuation by activating the contractual clause.

Hoffenheim summer sales approach €100m

Asllani’s departure would continue a major summer overhaul at Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old would become the club’s 18th outgoing player of the transfer window. Hoffenheim’s total sales income would rise to nearly €100m, while the club have spent slightly more than €50m on six new arrivals.

GGFN | Peter Weis