Julian Nagelsmann has admitted that RB Leipzig will have to let Patrik Schick leave with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all circling around the in-form striker, speaking to Kicker.
Red Bull really does give you wings, it seems.
A thrilling, free-wheeling Leipzig are flying high in the Bundesliga and, at some point this summer, will be competing for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
But there are problems waiting around the corner.
Top scorer Timo Werner will be a Chelsea player next season. And he is not the only influential forward packing his bags and preparing to leave his life in northern Germany behind.
Leipzig signed Czech Republic international Schick on loan from Roma last summer with an option to buy.
But even with money coming in from Werner’s impending departure, that £25 million price-tag is a little rich for a club hit hard by the lack of gate receipts.
“Patrik was an absolute dream player of mine,” said a clearly dejected Nagelsmann.
“But everything has to be reasonable, we are struggling with the effects of the (global health crisis) and cannot throw the money around.
“We simply cannot pay the amount we are talking about.”
As one door closes for Leipzig, however, a window swings open for three Premier League clubs in need of attacking reinforcements.
Gazzetta dello Sport claimed this week that Newcastle, Everton and Spurs are all interested in a skilful forward who, during his breakthrough season at Sampdoria in 2016/17, drew comparisons with the legendary Dennis Bergkamp.
Nagelsmann’s loss could be Carlo Ancelotti’s gain. Or Steve Bruce’s. Or perhaps even Jose Mourinho’s.
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