Overview

• Coach Ole Werner left the 29-year-old striker out of the squad for the opening friendly, underlining his marginalised role.
• Werner remains under contract until June 2026 but carries one of the highest salaries on Leipzig’s books.
• Sporting director Marcel Schäfer has acknowledged that last season’s loan to Tottenham failed to meet expectations.
• Werner’s recent spells yielded just three goals in 41 appearances at Spurs and 23 in 89 for Chelsea.
• Red Bull New York is reported to be interested as Leipzig seeks offers to recoup value and relieve budget pressure.