Conrad Harder has left RB Leipzig after just one season, joining French side Racing Strasbourg on a loan deal. The 21-year-old striker, signed for 24 million euros from Sporting Lisbon last summer, failed to meet expectations and will now spend the coming campaign in Ligue 1.
Why the transfer failed for Harder
Harder's sole season at RB Leipzig yielded just four goals in 34 competitive appearances. His final outing for Die Roten Bullen came in the 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, where the forward missed a clear scoring opportunity. The loan to Strasbourg does not include an option to buy. This places Harder on a long list of strikers who failed to make the grade at RB Leipzig. Predecessors include Oliver Burke, Jean-Kévin Augustin, Ademola Lookman, Matheus Cunha, Patrik Schick, Hee-chan Hwang, Alexander Sörloth, Brian Brobbey, André Silva, and Lois Openda. Harder is the eleventh forward in the club's Bundesliga history who could not live up to the hopes placed in him.
How is RB Leipzig positioned at the start of the season?
Marco Rose's side began the new Bundesliga campaign with a 3-0 home win against Gladbach and sits in third place with three points. The goal difference after one match is plus three, with three scored and none conceded. The recent form shows a W for the win. However, the attack is missing Christoph Baumgartner, who is on the injuries list. Leipzig's next fixture is on September 5, 2026, away to 15th-placed Werder Bremen. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
What is Abdoul Koné's current role?
Another young player awaiting his chance is 21-year-old defender Abdoul Koné. He missed most of pre-season due to a shoulder capsule injury. He was not in the matchday squad for the 3-0 win over Gladbach. Instead, he was seen only as a spectator during the 3-2 win for the Oberliga team against Weißenfels. His brother Latif Koné (23) plays for a fifth-tier club about 40 kilometers from Leipzig and started in that match. Latif has a contract with RB Leipzig that runs until 2027. An extension until summer 2028 is planned if his team achieves promotion.
What does this mean for RB Leipzig's attack?
Harder's departure and Baumgartner's injury present a challenge for the offensive line. The coaching staff must optimally utilize the remaining striking options. The current yield of three goals without conceding is a solid start, but for the upcoming tasks, including the away game in Bremen, reliability in finishing is required. The current league standing can be tracked on our standings page. The team travels to Bremen on September 5 to secure the next three points.
