RB Leipzig is set to embark on a new chapter following the dismissal of head coach Marco Rose, with a fresh managerial approach on the horizon. However, the club's plans for the upcoming season are already sending ripples through the squad, particularly for Timo Werner and André Silva, who appear to be on their way out.
As of April 4, 2025, the German club is grappling with significant changes after a disappointing season, culminating in a 1-3 loss to VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal semi-final. This defeat marked the end of Leipzig's last title hopes for the 2024/25 season, leaving successor Zsolt Löw with the task of securing European competition qualification in the remaining seven Bundesliga matches. Ideally, the focus will be on a Champions League spot, but the immediate future of several players remains uncertain.
Among those players, Timo Werner’s situation is particularly precarious. The 29-year-old forward has been on loan at Tottenham Hotspur since early 2024. Unfortunately, his stint in the Premier League has not gone as planned, with only one goal to his name in 27 competitive matches this season. Tottenham is reportedly unlikely to exercise their option to buy, which means Werner will have to return to Leipzig, where he is under contract until 2026. However, reports suggest that his time at Leipzig may be short-lived as the club plans to part ways with him this summer.
According to kicker, the signs are clear for Werner: a departure from Leipzig seems inevitable. Despite being a 57-time German international, his performance at Tottenham has been underwhelming, with a total of just three goals and six assists across 41 matches. Several Bundesliga clubs are monitoring his situation closely, but a potential return could be complicated by his hefty salary, estimated at ten million euros. Leipzig may need to cover a significant portion of this salary to facilitate a loan deal elsewhere.
Meanwhile, André Silva's future is equally bleak. The 27-year-old forward, who joined Leipzig in the summer of 2021, has struggled to meet expectations during his tenure. Recently, he was loaned to Werder Bremen, where he managed to score only once—a penalty in a 2-4 loss against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bremen has reportedly decided against signing him permanently, as no purchase option was available and negotiations with Leipzig would have been necessary to finalize a deal.
In contrast, there is a glimmer of hope for Ilaix Moriba. The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived from FC Barcelona for 16 million euros in 2021, has been loaned out multiple times and is now making a case for his future at Leipzig. Currently on loan at Celta Vigo, Moriba has shown promise and could potentially earn a spot in Leipzig’s plans for the upcoming season. His contract runs until 2026, and the club is expected to make a decision on his future during the summer preparation period.
As RB Leipzig looks ahead to the 2025/26 season, they are not only focusing on the players they want to move on but also eyeing potential reinforcements. Reports indicate that the club is considering Serbian starlet Andrija Maksimovic as a possible addition to bolster their struggling offense.
In addition to Moriba, Eljif Elmas, who was signed from SSC Napoli for 24 million euros in early 2024, could also receive another chance in Leipzig. Elmas was loaned to FC Turin, but the Italian club may not be able to afford the 17 million euro option to make his transfer permanent. With Leipzig’s current need for creativity and firepower in their attack, Elmas’s return could provide an opportunity for him to prove his worth under the new coach.
As the club navigates this transitional phase, the focus will undoubtedly be on reshaping the squad and improving performance on the pitch. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as Leipzig aims to finish the Bundesliga season strong while planning for a fresh start in the next campaign.
In summary, RB Leipzig is poised for a significant overhaul following Marco Rose’s exit, with Timo Werner and André Silva seemingly on their way out. With new talent potentially on the horizon and existing players fighting for their futures, the club's developments will be closely watched as they prepare for the next season.
