Report: Leipzig and Köln settle on €1.2 million for Martel
Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that RB Leipzig and 1. FC Köln have concluded negotiations for the transfer of Germany U21 international Eric Martel.
With the latest news holding that RB Leipzig and Germany's cathedral city side were negotiating on a final transfer fee for developmental prospect Eric Martel, German tabloid Sport Bild now reports that the two sides have settled on a €1.2 million price. The center-back/defensive midfielder could be worth far more should he continue along his current development trajectory, but the 20-year-old's lack of Bundesliga experience keeps the tab low for the the time being.
Martel has made just seven Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig's senior side. The German U21 international did gain extensive playing experience out on loan at Austria Wien last year. During his loan stint he demonstrated an aptitude for playing in defensive midfield. Köln certainly need a reinforcement at that position following Salih Özcan's departure. Whether die Gießböcke have further plans to shore up at six remains to be seen.