New sporting director Marcel Schäfer is reshaping RB Leipzig’s financial model. All new contracts for players, coaches, and staff will now include performance-based clauses. Salaries can drop by up to 30% if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League, and placement bonuses are tied strictly to reaching that competition. RB Leipzig hasn't been shining quite so brightly lately, having had a disastrous season and missing out on European competition for the first time. Future base salaries will be capped at €5 million, compared to past figures like Xavi Simons (€11M) and Timo Werner (€10M), though bonuses can nearly double that amount with success. Previous contracts included untargeted bonuses, a practice that is now being eliminated. Xavi Simons could be off their salary list since he's been involved in a potential move to Chelsea. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is in advanced talks to reach an agreement with the English side.
🚨🔵 Chelsea and RB Leipzig continue direct club to club talks for Xavi Simons deal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025
RB Leipzig aware of Xavi being very keen on move and tempted by Chelsea.
Bayern have made calls to be informed this week but #CFC clear favorites, already in talks & with player’s green light. pic.twitter.com/bYoQjdml4F
Youth-Focused Transfers and Character Checks
RB Leipzig’s transfer strategy has shifted toward signing young, high-potential talents—the average age of new signings this summer is 19.6 years. This time, the club went beyond talent, conducting “character screenings” by reviewing players’ social media and off-field behavior to avoid past issues with dressing room cliques as per Bild. Leipzig is rebalancing its scouting methods. While video and data analysis remain key, live scouting is now prioritized. This includes not just matches but also training sessions to observe players’ attitudes and character. To lead this initiative, Max Englert, formerly of Bayern Munich, has been hired as the new Head of Live Scouting.
Maximilian Englert, FC Bayern first team scout for the past 7.5 years, has left the club and joined RB Leipzig as 'head of live scouting' [@YvonneGab] pic.twitter.com/ykPIZbetfn
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 9, 2025
A Humble Mindset: No Champions League Talk – For Now
Under new head coach Ole Werner, Leipzig is adopting a more modest tone. The once-assumed minimum target. Champions League qualification is no longer spoken of openly. Werner’s debut press conference focused only on "Europe" in general. Internally, the team plans to reassess and define its goals after the transfer window closes.
With over 1,000 days of player absences due to injury last season, fitness has become a central focus. The coaching staff, under guidance influenced by Jürgen Klopp’s methods, is emphasizing endurance and physical preparation. Grueling sessions, including 1,000-meter runs, have returned—marking a departure from former coach Marco Rose’s belief that fitness should come from gameplay alone. RB Leipzig has kicked off its preseason preparations at the five-star “Öschberghof” resort in Donaueschingen.
