Brajan Gruda’s loan move from Brighton and Hove Albion to RB Leipzig in the January transfer window was done with the World Cup in mind.
The 21-year-old has even admitted as much, stating back in February that the summer tournament was firmly in his thinking.
That plan now looks like something of a masterstroke. In seven games so far for Leipzig, Gruda has managed three goals and two assist.
Gruda delivered his best performance for Leipzig yet on Friday night, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 5-0 demolition of Hoffenheim. And it was enough to convince Didi Hamann that Gruda should be in Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.
“Gruda is definitely someone you have to think about. I believe he’ll make the World Cup,” he told Sky Germany.
“He’s technically gifted, two-footed, and has pace. I think Gruda is a player we don’t have. I’m a big fan.”
Leipzig responsibility
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder believes that the move to Leipzig is primarily responsible for Brajan Gruda’s improved performance.
He had struggled to settle at Brighton, particularly under Fabian Hurzeler. This season, for instance, he managed 18 appearances in the Premier League but just 896 minutes.
That’s not the case under Ole Werner at Leipzig. He has instead immediately established Gruda as a result starter and been rewarded for his faith. Hamann also believes the atmosphere at his loan club is doing him good.
“My first thought when I heard he was leaving Brighton was that he might still be able to make the World Cup squad,” he added.
“The Leipzig atmosphere seems to be doing him good.”
Nagelsmann unconvinced
Julian Nagelsmann, though, remains unconvinced. He recently criticised the 21-year-old’s development and wants to see more from him.
“Ultimately, it’s about him scoring more goals and providing more assists. For his quality, that’s still not enough,” he said. The Germany coach was left unimpressed by the Brighton man during his last call-up before Euro 2024.
At the time he had the impression “that he hadn’t quite grasped that he had a chance to be part of a home European Championship”.
Gruda, therefore, remains in the U21 national team. But after his performance against Hoffenheim, he remains convinced about his chances. “With good performances, all doors are open,” he said.
More performances like that one and perhaps he and Hamann will be proven right.
🇧🇷 EXCLUSIVE: Álvaro Montoro ‼️
➡️ Brighton interest meets Textor financial trouble
➡️ #BHAFC official watched him against Grêmio
➡️ Travelled to Porto Alegre specifically for Montoro
➡️ Pedro Reinert explains situation from Brazil…https://t.co/jLvcE1ZoHR
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 19, 2026