Ridle Baku pushes for RB Leipzig switch amid transfer tug-of-war

RB Leipzig is scrambling to replace Benjamin Henrichs, sidelined for the season after an Achilles injury during a 5-1 drubbing by FC Bayern.

Enter Ridle Baku of VfL Wolfsburg, a prime target to fill the void at right-back.

Baku, 26, has made his intentions clear, submitting a formal transfer request to Wolfsburg’s management. However, according to kicker, negotiations between the clubs are anything but straightforward. Leipzig’s initial offer of just under €3 million, with potential bonuses raising it to €3.5 million, falls well short of Wolfsburg’s valuation.

Wolfsburg faces a tough balancing act. While head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl wants to retain Baku or secure a suitable replacement, the transfer fee alone isn’t Wolfsburg’s sole concern. The Wolves are reportedly eyeing Andreas Skov Olsen of Club Bruges as a potential substitute. But landing the Dane could cost Wolfsburg up to €15 million, adding another layer of complexity.

As the clock ticks, Wolfsburg’s resolve and Leipzig’s persistence will decide whether Baku makes his desired move—or stays put in Lower Saxony.