Conrad Harder Set for Move to RB Leipzig

Conrad Harder is set to move from Sporting CP to RB Leipzig. He will fly to Germany today to finalize the transfer. The deal should be complete in the next few hours.

WHAT HAPPENED?

RB Leipzig and Sporting CP have reached an agreement for the 20-year-old Danish striker. The transfer will cost 23 million euros, plus a possible 4 million in bonuses. Last season, Harder scored 13 goals and made 10 assists for Sporting. After he arrives in Germany, he will have a medical exam. Many clubs were interested in Harder, including Chelsea, Stade Rennais, and AC Milan. However, Harder decided Leipzig was the best fit for him, rejecting offers from both AC Milan and Rennes, as confirmed by a report.

THE WIDER CONTEXT

RB Leipzig are revamping their forward line after losing Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons earlier this summer. There’s a chance that Loïs Openda may also transfer to Juventus, which would force Leipzig to make more changes to their attack. With Harder’s arrival, along with Romulo Cardoso and other young attackers, Leipzig are starting a new era as they prepare for significant changes in their squad. They currently rank 7th in the Bundesliga after two games, having lost against Bayern in the first match but returned to winning form versus Heidenheim. Sporting CP are adjusting as well, with Luis Suarez taking the main striker role after his acquisition from Almería for €25 million. Sporting lost 2-1 in their last Primeira Liga game against FC Porto, and lost their 1st place in the standings.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEIPZIG AND HARDER?

Harder will go through his medical examination and sign his contract before meeting his new teammates. RB Leipzig’s next game is against Mainz, who two points behind wiht one draw and one loss form their two opening matches. With key strikers leaving or expected to leave, Harder will face pressure immediately. He will need to score goals and adjust quickly to the Bundesliga. Sporting will play Famalicão next in Portugal before traveling to Kairat Almaty for their first Champions League match. They hope their new forwards can deliver results to move up the standings. Both clubs will watch closely to see how their new forward lines perform this season.