BERLIN (AP) — After missing out on European qualification for the first time since its promotion to the Bundesliga, Leipzig has torn up its squad and started again.
Major Summer Overhaul
The Red Bull-backed club was involved in 26 transfers over the summer after hiring a new head coach and three assistants among 12 changes to the coaching setup.
Key players like Xavi Simons, Benjamin Šeško, Mohamed Simakan, and Loïs Openda all left the club — reportedly generating almost 200 million euros ($237 million) — while arrivals including Conrad Harder, Arthur Vermeeren, Johan Bakayoko, Andrija Maksimović, Yan Diomande and Brazilian forward Rômulo took the club's spending to 136 million euros ($161 million), according to Transfermarkt.de.
New Sporting Director's Vision
The man responsible, Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer, acknowledged the need for a reset as the club looks to reclaim its identity and competitive edge in German football.