Official | Norway’s Ørjan Nyland returns to RB Leipzig | OneFootball

RB Leipzig have officially confirmed the return of Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. The 35-year-old joins the Saxon club on a free transfer after his contract with Sevilla expired and has signed a deal through 2028.

Nyland replaces former club captain Péter Gulácsi in Leipzig’s senior goalkeeping group. Gulacsi completed a €2m move to Villarreal yesterday. Nyland will now serve as the experienced deputy to Maarten Vandevoordt, with Leopold Zingerle also remaining part of the squad.

The Norwegian will wear Gulácsi’s old No. 1 shirt, but arrives with a clearly defined role as Leipzig’s new backup. His familiarity with the club and willingness to accept the position enabled RB to resolve their goalkeeping reshuffle quickly following Gulacsi’s departure.

Nyland previously represented Leipzig during the 2022/23 campaign. He joined on a free transfer in October 2022 after Gulacsi suffered a serious knee injury and spent most of the season behind Janis Blaswich in the pecking order. Nyland made three competitive appearances: two in the Bundesliga and one in a 3–1 DFB-Pokal round-of-16 victory over Hoffenheim.

The 35-year-old remained part of the squad that lifted the DFB-Pokal before departing for Sevilla in the summer of 2023. Nyland established himself as the Spanish club’s regular goalkeeper during his first two seasons and accumulated 59 La Liga appearances. His role diminished last term, however, as he featured in only five league fixtures before his contract expired.

Recent performances for Norway strengthened the case for bringing him back to Leipzig. Nyland started throughout his country’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals and delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive goalkeeping performances against Brazil in the round of 16. 

Marcel Schäfer on Nyland’s return

“With Ørjan, we’re gaining a very experienced goalkeeper whom we already know very well, both as a player and as a person,” Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer said. “After Pete’s departure, it was important to us to strengthen our goalkeeping squad with experience, personality, and athletic quality.

“He knows the Bundesliga, our club, and major international matches. At the same time, he’s a positive presence who puts the team first and can offer our young players a great deal through his experience.”

Ørjan Nyland on returning to Leipzig

“When the opportunity arose to return to RB Leipzig, I didn’t have to think twice,” Nyland said. “I have many fond memories of the club and the people. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again.

“The World Cup with Norway was a very special highlight that showed me once again how much I enjoy big games and daily competition. I want to bring that energy with me to Leipzig now. It’s great to be back in Leipzig.”

GGFN | Peter Weis