“Fits perfectly with RBL’s DNA”
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After Dani Olmo left for FC Barcelona, RB Leipzig has presented a successor in Antonio Nusa from FC Bruges. The 19-year-old attacker signed a contract with the Saxons until 2029, and the transfer fee is said to be up to 30 million euros including additional payments, depending on the source. Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri is assuming a little less than a fixed 21 million euros and a possible 7.5 million euros in bonuses, and FC Bruges will also receive a 12.5 percent share of a possible resale. If the sum reaches 24 million euros, the right-footer would be one of the Red Bulls’ ten most expensive signings.
Leipzig’s new managing director Marcel Schäfer explained: “Antonio fits perfectly with RB Leipzig’s DNA. He is young, has potential for development, is very ambitious and willing to learn, but on the other hand he has already played around a hundred professional games and has been able to put his stamp on both Bruges and the Norwegian national team. This makes him without doubt one of the best players of his year in Europe. Antonio really wanted to move to us and the Bundesliga this summer to take the next steps together. There are enough examples from recent years that show that RB Leipzig is exactly the right club for this. Antonio’s transfer was well prepared, so we were able to finalize it quickly in the last few days.” Sporting director Rouven Schröder added: “We have had Antonio and his development on our radar for several years and are very happy that we have now been able to make the transfer happen.”
New signing Musa said: “I am just incredibly proud to be at RB Leipzig and in the Bundesliga now. The club has shown me a clear vision and a clear path, which has totally convinced me. It is of course a big step for me – but I am ready for it. (…) But I am joining a very cool team with the perfect mix of young and experienced players and, above all, a clear playing philosophy: offensive, strong, fast, counter-pressing. That fits perfectly with my qualities and I am really looking forward to playing with the guys around Xavi, Loïs Openda and Benjamin Sesko, who have already shown what they can do in their first season in Leipzig. I am ready to get started!”
RB Leipzig’s new signing Nusa receives Olmos’ shirt number 7
Nusa, who appropriately receives the number 7 shirt from Olmo, made his debut for Stabæk in the Norwegian Eliteserien in May 2021 at the age of 16 years, one month and 13 days, before moving to Club Brugge shortly afterwards for €3 million. The seven-time Norwegian international has since made 86 competitive appearances for the Belgians, scoring seven goals and providing six assists. After Charles De Ketelaere and Igor Thiago, he will be the third most expensive departure in the club’s history, depending on the transfer fee.
In the ranking of the most expensive Norwegian U19 footballers, the Leipzig signing also displaces Erling Haaland from the top spot, who moved from Red Bull Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund in January 2020 for 20 million euros. In addition to RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and several Premier League clubs are said to have been interested in Nusa. At the end of 2022, Transfermarkt dedicated a portrait to Nusa in the talent calendar. According to “Het Laatste Nieuws”, he is said to have also spoken to BVB – but the Black and Yellows pulled out early in view of the transfer fee.
Nusa’s predecessor Olmo recently moved from Leipzig back to his former place of work in Barcelona for a fixed fee of €55 million. Another option for the Bundesliga club was Rayan Cherki (20) from Olympique Lyon, who was previously traded to BVB. RB is also said to have had Johan Bakayoko (21, PSV Eindhoven) and Francisco Conceição (21, FC Porto) on its list.
