Where will RB Leipzig’s goals come from in 2026/27?
With Yan Diomande gone, Christoph Baumgartner and Assan Ouédraogo both injured and a potential move for Fisnik Asllani having fallen through, new RB Leipzig head coach Martín Demichelis could be forgiven for worrying how his side will find the net this season.
Between them, Diomande (12 Bundesliga goals, eight assists), Baumgartner (13/eight) and Ouédraogo (four/three) combined for 29 goals and 19 assists in 2025/26, making up a huge chunk of the 66 Leipzig scored across the campaign.
Die Roten Bullen had hoped Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani (ten goals, seven assists last season) would bolster their attacking options, but recently pulled out of the deal due to "medical concerns".
So who will step up in 2026/27? We take a look at the most likely candidates...
Brajan Gruda
Having spent the second half of 2025/26 on loan at the Red Bull Arena, the 22-year-old is back in Leipzig for the new campaign.
A creative force who proved just how dangerous he can be with boyhood club Mainz before departing for Premier League side Brighton in 2024, Gruda scored three times and recorded three assists in 13 games as Leipzig finished third last season.
“He showed his quality and how good a fit he is to our game in his first months here," said Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schäfer of the decision to bring Gruda back to the club. "Brajan is technically good, creative, has good speed and enriches our attack with his abilities in the final third.”
His aggressive dribbling and ability to play across the frontline make him a difficult customer for defences, and he’ll look to build on his bright end-of-season performances in 2026/27.
With four Bundesliga goals and three assists last season, Nusa showed regular glimpses of his quality. Quick and willing to run at defenders, the 21-year-old's ability to unsettle full-backs will be a valuable asset for Demichelis.
Nusa underlined his value at the World Cup with Norway over the summer, scoring a sensational goal against Diomande's Côte d'Ivoire and frequently tormenting his markers.
And Nusa believes playing at the tournament has already changed him. "I’m not the same person I was two months ago when we set off for America," he said in an interview with Leipzig's in-house media channel in early August.
"This summer helped me mature as a person. All those unforgettable experiences have had a positive influence on me, and I’m very happy about that.”
Will that translate to more goals and assists? We won't have to wait long to find out!
The 23-year-old found opportunities limited following his arrival in sumer 2025, making only eight Bundesliga starts as part of 20 league appearances in total, and scoring just twice.
“With his power, explosiveness, speed and goal threat, he will enrich our game on the right wing and has strengths both with and without the ball," said Schäfer of the Belgian last year.
The current personnel situation at Leipzig could mean this is Bakayoko's time to shine - and he is eager to do so: after signing for Leipzig from PSV, the Belgian said he felt "ready for the next step".
Rômulo
All of which brings us to Rômulo. While the aforementioned trio are more providers than outright scorers, the 24-year-old will be the man tasked with putting the chances away.
The Brazilian scored nine times and registered three assists in his debut Bundesliga season last term, impressing with both his physicality and ability to link play.
"Rômulo offers a strong physique, clean technique and an eye for goal," said Schäfer. "He's flexible up front, including as a classic number nine."
Having had a year to adapt to life and the style of play in Germany, the forward is primed for a big breakout campaign.
