Nadiem Amiri has reportedly agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig, yet his proposed transfer from Mainz remains in limbo as the Bundesliga club grapples with an oversized squad.
Negotiations between the Saxony side and Mainz are very advanced, according to Sport BILD. However, the deal has stalled because manager Martin Demichelis currently has too many players at his disposal. The club will not complete the Amiri transfer until several departures are secured, as the overall size of the first-team group has become unmanageable.
The congestion is not specific to Amiri’s position. Instead, RB Leipzig must reduce their overall numbers across multiple areas of the pitch. Eljif Elmas, the 26-year-old midfielder, is among those who could leave to facilitate new arrivals. He has been identified as a probable candidate for sale to ease the logjam.
Squad Logjam Affects Multiple Targets
The striker department is particularly crowded. Both Rômulo and Conrad Harder are competing for the forward role, which has also complicated Fisnik Asllani’s potential switch from TSG Hoffenheim. Like Amiri, Asllani’s move is being held up by the need to clear space first.
Asllani, currently with Hoffenheim, faces similar obstacles because the club cannot accommodate additional attacking players while the current forwards remain on the books.
What Happens Next
RB Leipzig must sell before they can buy. The club is actively seeking buyers for surplus players, with Elmas identified as a probable candidate for the exit. Only once these outgoing transfers are completed can Amiri’s agreement be finalised and the Mainz deal concluded.
Amiri would add significant creativity to Demichelis’s midfield if the logistical hurdles are cleared. For now, supporters must wait for the squad trimming exercise to conclude before welcoming another Bundesliga star to the Red Bull Arena.