RB Leipzig begin the 2026-27 season under pressure to fix a striking problem that has defined their summer. The club sold Yan Diomande to Real Madrid for a reported 125 million euros, and their attempts to replace him have repeatedly stalled. First-choice target Fisnik Asllani failed his medical, while a bold move for Cologne winger Said El Mala also collapsed after the 19-year-old signed a new contract at the Rheinenergie Stadion. Reports had suggested Leipzig were ready to break their internal 50 million euro spending limit for El Mala, but Cologne held firm. Separate talks over Diego Moreira from Racing Strasbourg have hit a wall over the transfer fee, leaving new head coach Martín Demichelis without the attacking reinforcements he has reportedly demanded.

On the pitch, pre-season results have been mixed. Leipzig lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in the Telekom Cup on August 15, though a bright moment came when Brajan Gruda pulled Leipzig level in the second half. A 4-0 win over SC Verl was the standout positive result of the summer, but a 2-0 defeat to Leeds United earlier in August showed the squad still has ground to cover. Defender Lutsharel Geertruida looks set to leave after failing to establish himself following his 20 million euro arrival, with a loan to a Dutch club the most likely outcome.

The competitive season starts Saturday when Leipzig travel to Eintracht Trier in the DFB-Pokal first round. With the Bundesliga opener against Werder Bremen to follow on September 5, Demichelis needs clarity in the transfer market quickly.