Brajan Gruda working on RB Leipzig transfer after Brighton loan spell

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Brajan Gruda is reportedly taking extra steps behind the scenes to help turn his loan spell at RB Leipzig into a permanent summer transfer.

According to German outlet Leipziger Volkszeitung, via RB Live, the 21-year-old has been working privately with former Leipzig video analyst Daniel Ackermann as he looks to sharpen key parts of his game and strengthen his case for a long-term stay in Germany.

Gruda joined Leipzig on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January and has quietly built momentum over the last few months.

While his performances on the pitch have already impressed Leipzig’s coaching staff, the report highlights how his work away from matchdays has also stood out.

Ackermann, who previously worked within Leipzig’s analysis department, now specialises in individual player development. His focus differs from club-level analysis, concentrating more on positioning, decision-making and anticipation in specific moments rather than broader tactical structures.

That tailored approach appears to have appealed to Gruda, who is understood to have embraced the extra sessions as part of his development.

Brighton are not thought to be standing in the way of a permanent exit, but any deal will depend heavily on price.

The Premier League side paid around €30m for Gruda in 2024 and are keen to recover that investment, with a fee slightly above that figure considered the likely starting point.

That creates a problem for Leipzig.

Recent financial restructuring at the Bundesliga club has reportedly made transfers above the €25m mark increasingly difficult, limiting their room to manoeuvre unless extra revenue is secured.

Qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League could be key.

Leipzig still have work to do domestically, with a major clash against Bayer Leverkusen this weekend potentially shaping both their European hopes and summer transfer budget.

For now, all sides appear to be waiting.

Leipzig’s interest is genuine, Brighton’s stance is clear, and Gruda’s commitment to improving suggests he sees his future in Germany. The next few weeks — particularly Leipzig’s push for Champions League football — could prove decisive in determining whether this move becomes permanent.

Will Brighton cash in, or can Leipzig find a way to meet the asking price?