RB Leipzig are reportedly expected to make a move to sign Brighton star Brajan Gruda on a permanent deal this summer.
The forward has hit the ground running at the Red Bull Arena since his surprise January loan move, scoring three goals and registering two assists in seven Bundesliga appearances.
Gruda will be hoping that his good form will also see him enter Julian Nagelsmann’s thinking ahead of this summer’s World Cup, with a spot in the Germany squad a driving force behind why he opted to leave the Seagulls on deadline day.
Leipzig have certainly been impressed by their loanee, and Kicker report that it ‘seems likely’ the Bundesliga outfit will look to open talks with Brighton over retaining the services of the 21-year-old.
It was previously reported that Leipzig looked to insert a purchase option into the loan deal, but the Seagulls refused.
Speaking this weekend about whether his side will make a concrete push to sign Gruda this summer, Leipzig boss Ole Werner said: “Everything else will be matters that need to be resolved between the clubs and between the player and the club.
“For now, we are just happy that he is here and helping us achieve our goals. Time will tell the rest.”
Leipzig are long-term admirers of Gruda, with the player even alluding to how he has been aware of their interest after his loan move was confirmed.
Werner has therefore not been surprised by how the No. 10 has made his mark at the club, continuing: “We all noticed from day one that he is a player who can help us and fits well into the squad in terms of character. He integrates very well into the dressing room.
“He is a fine footballer, understands the game, and can play multiple positions. We are very happy to have him here. He makes us better and stronger.”
Gruda has been deployed as a winger, No. 10, and as a central midfielder already during his time with Leipzig, and it remains to be seen whether his improved versatility will strengthen Brighton’s desire to have him as part of their 2026/27 squad.