According to reports from RBLive and German transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg, RB Leipzig defender Willi Orbán nearly ended his 11-year tenure with the Bundesliga club this past summer to join Al-Diriyah FC in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi club had prepared a lucrative two-year contract worth 13 millió dolláros (4,7 milliárd Ft), equivalent to 4,7 billion Hungarian forints, and had even dispatched a club doctor to Leipzig to finalize the medical examinations.
Why RB Leipzig Blocked the Transfer
Despite the player reaching a total agreement with Al-Diriyah FC, RB Leipzig’s management intervened at the eleventh hour to block the move, as reported by RBLive. According to sporting director Marcel Schäfer, the decision not to let the 33-year-old Hungarian international leave stemmed from the club’s demanding schedule across three major fronts: the Bundesliga, the UEFA Champions League, and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup).
“Obviously, a player with such a long history and high standing has to consider every offer, and then we listen to them as well,” Schäfer explained to RBLive regarding the open negotiations held between the club and the player.
The Squad Depth Dilemma and UEFA Rules
Squad composition rules ultimately sealed Orbán’s retention in Germany. According to the club’s sporting management, RB Leipzig signed Abdoul Koné as a long-term successor to Orbán, but the young defender could not be registered for the Champions League league phase due to UEFA’s strict homegrown player regulations.
Because of these registration constraints and the heavy match load, Schäfer emphasized that management did not actively request Orbán to stay out of desperation, noting simply that the player remains tied to a contract running until 2027. “Willi definitely figures in our plans as a starting player because we are facing a triple workload,” Schäfer stated.
Opening the Champions League Campaign
Following the collapsed transfer saga, Orbán remained with the squad and featured in the starting lineup as RB Leipzig opened their European campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was Al-Diriyah FC offering Willi Orbán?
According to press reports, Al-Diriyah FC prepared a two-year contract worth a lucrative sum, which amounts to approximately 4,7 billion Hungarian forints.
Until when is Willi Orbán contracted to RB Leipzig?
According to club sporting director Marcel Schäfer, Orbán is tied to RB Leipzig by a contract running until 2027.
Why did Leipzig block the transfer at the last minute?
According to RB Leipzig management, the club blocked the move because they face a heavy triple workload across the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the Champions League, and their intended defensive replacement could not be registered for European play due to UEFA rules.
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