RB Leipzig will be keeping 22-year old Brajan Gruda for the 2026/27 season after an agreement was made to extend his loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League. Gruda made 14 total appearances for the East German powerhouse, scoring three goals and notching three assists. Along the way he was able to claim the vaunted number 10 from current Red Bull New York captain Emil Forsberg.
The German-born international attacking-midfielder has made waves in the Bundesliga since joining last year. Originally a product of Mainz, The 22 year-old made 30 appearances, scoring four goals. Known for their youth development, Mainz produced a player in Gruda that could not be denied and was quickly snatched up by Brighton in England. While there he made 39 appearances but found breaking into the first team permanently to be rather difficult. Like most young players, the move was massive and provided a bit too much of a challenge at such a young age.
Enter RB Leipzig, the club that has become world-renowned for developing players across Europe. Their catalog of players includes Dominik Szoboszlai, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahim Konate, Timo Werner and even Alexander Sorloth. Gruda is adding his name to that mix as a potential breakout star in the next year as Leipzig are guaranteed games in the UEFA Champions League.
What’s more impressive is the talent surrounding Gruda during this period. Antonio Nusa, Yan Diomande, Christoph Baumgartner and Conrad Harder are just a few of the options alongside Gruda that can help him develop into a stronger player.
Next season will also be a restart on the bench as new head coach Martin Demichelis looks to put his high-energy imprint on the club. Their season will start on August 22 as they enter the DFB Pokal, a competition they have won twice in recent years. A game against second division Eintracht Trier awaits them ahead of a busy German football calendar.
photo from RB Leipzig