RB Leipzig have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen‘s Exequiel Palacios as a potential midfield target ahead of the new season. Argentine journalist Sebastián Srur claims that Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis is driving the club’s interest in the 27-year-old World Cup winner.
The Demichelis factor
The approach comes despite Leipzig having already secured the signature of Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Rocco Reitz to fill the void left by Xaver Schlager’s departure. Reitz arrived as a direct replacement for Schlager, who left on a free transfer, yet the Bundesliga side appear keen to add further depth as they prepare for a return to Champions League football.
Demichelis, who recently replaced Ole Werner in the Leipzig dugout, appears to be looking towards his homeland for reinforcements. Palacios was part of the Argentina squad that triumphed in Qatar in 2022, though he featured only in the group-stage victory against Jordan during the tournament. His pedigree at both club and international level explains why the coach is reportedly eager to work with his compatriot.
Contract complications
Palacios faces questions over his future at Leverkusen following an injury-disrupted campaign. The Argentina international managed just 18 Bundesliga appearances during the 2025/26 season, hampering his ability to establish consistent rhythm. Persistent fitness issues have limited his impact during recent years, contrasting with his status as a World Cup winner.
The midfielder joined the BayArena outfit from River Plate in early 2020 and remains under contract until 2030. This lengthy agreement presents a significant obstacle to any potential transfer, placing Leverkusen in a strong negotiating position should formal interest materialise. The Bundesliga champions value squad depth highly, and with Palacios contracted for another five years, they hold all the cards in any negotiation.
Currently, Palacios is enjoying a summer break following international commitments. He is expected to report for Leverkusen’s pre-season preparations rather than immediately pushing for an exit, with no formal bid reported at this stage. Any prospective move would require substantial financial outlay and the player’s willingness to leave a club where he has spent five years.