Report: Without Champions League football RB Leipzig would have to sell stars

Report: Without Champions League football RB Leipzig would have to sell stars

RB Leipzig's hopes of securing Champions League football for next season have taken a major hit, as the club has dropped to sixth place in the Bundesliga.

Failure to qualify for Europe's elite competition could trigger significant changes within the squad and coaching staff.

Regular participation in the Champions League has been instrumental in attracting top talent, with players like Xavi Simons and Lois Openda signing in part due to the club's European ambitions. However, missing out on qualification is expected to force Leipzig into a summer sell-off.

Castello Lukeba is already set to leave at the end of the season, regardless of Leipzig's final position.

The French defender has a 90-million-euro release clause, and Real Madrid have shown interest in securing his services.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons are likely to be sold if the club fails to finish in the Bundesliga's top four, with Arsenal and Liverpool among those monitoring their situations.

Additionally, key players such as Lois Openda and David Raum are expected to consider their futures if Leipzig fail to secure Champions League football.

While Lukeba's departure is inevitable, the rest of the squad remains under contract without release clauses, allowing Leipzig to maximise potential profits in any sales.

The uncertainty extends to the coaching staff as well, with head coach Marco Rose's position under threat. If Leipzig do not qualify, Rose could be dismissed, with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness emerging as a possible replacement. 

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