Christoph Baumgartner (r.) has signed for RB Leipzig on a deal through to June 2028. - © RB Leipzig

bundesliga

Christoph Baumgartner swaps Hoffenheim for RB Leipzig

24.06.2023

RB Leipzig have strengthened with the arrival of Christoph Baumgartner from Hoffenheim, the attacking midfielder agreeing terms on a five-year deal with the Saxony-based side.

Baumgartner - who scored 27 goals and laid on 17 assists in a little over four Bundesliga seasons with the Die Kraichgauer - admitted he was "extremely excited," to be making the switch to the DFB Cup winners.

"The opportunities offered by the club are incredible," the 23-year-old Austria international told Leipzig's official website. "I really wanted to join a club where you can win titles, which the team proved after winning their second straight DFB Cup title.

"I’m also looking forward to playing in the Champions League. RB Leipzig are one of the most exciting clubs in Europe. That’s why I’m incredibly happy and proud to be here."

Leipzig's new signing joined Hoffenheim as a 17-year-old before going on to make his senior bow against Werder Bremen in 2019. He registered a personal best seven goals and seven assists to help his former side stave off relegation last season.

"Christoph Baumgartner was one of the players on our transfer wish list," Leipzig's board member for sport, Max Eberl, said. "He’s a versatile attacker that can play centrally, as well as on both wings, as a second or central striker or as a central midfielder.

"Christoph is quick, poses a threat on goal and is a very intelligent player," Eberl continued. "He can play with both feet and has an incredible shot. His skills and abilities lend another aspect to our game. Baumi is also a good guy: down-to-earth, eager to learn and ambitious."

Baumgartner (r) scored 27 goals in 120 Bundesliga games for Hoffenheim. - imago

On target with a double in Austria's recent 2-0, Euro 2024 qualifying win against Sweden, Baumgartner has netted 10 times in 29 senior internationals overall. He will join his new team-mates at last season's third-placed Bundesliga finishers when they gather for pre-season performance tests on 15 July.