After new Gulacsi setback, Leipzig consider bringing in keeper Vandevoordt early
Speaking to assembled members of the German press on Monday, RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl indicated that the club was considering bringing in K.R.C. Genk keeper Maarten Vandevoordt over to Saxony one year early.
In something of an unusual (though not unheard of) footballing transaction last April, RB Leipzig purchased the rights to Belgian youth international Maarten Vandevoordt of K.R.C. Genk, immediately deferring his arrival for over two full years. The now 20-year-old net-minder still isn't due to arrive in Saxony until July of 2024.
As new RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl let slip on Monday, however, the two clubs did agree at the time that Vandevoordt could be allowed to come to Germany "as early as 2023". Eberl doubtless discovered this agreement whilst rifling through the contractual paperwork of predecessor Oliver Mintzlaff.
Since normal #1 keeper - and squad captain - Peter Gulacsi suffered a brutal ACL tear in October, Leipzig have been relying upon the services of German journeyman Janis Blaswich. The 31-year-old has actually done quite well. Norwegian veteran Ørjan Nyland was signed to back up Blaswich and made on league start.
Gulacsi recently had to undergo another minor surgical procedure due to bacterial build up in his knee. It could be the case that the skipper may not even be fit again until next season. Nyland, as well as third and fourth string keepers Jonas Nickisch and Timo Schlieck, all sit on expiring contracts.
"An ACL tear is never that easy, particular at that [32] age," Eberl noted when discussing Gulacsi's situation on Monday, "We'll have to keep an eye on his rehabilitation and how the goalkeeping situation here develops."
Eberl could conceivably be more interested in bringing Vandevoordt in this coming summer, which would still constitute a very early arrival. Vandevoordt, for whom Leipzig shelled out €10 million last spring, has seen his estimated market value rise to €9 million this season. After 96 appearances (and 24 clean sheets) in the Jupiler Pro League, he is considered quite the hot young commodity.