RB Leipzig faces lineup dilemma as Finkgräfe risks bench | Max Finkgräfe

RB Leipzig faces a critical transfer question as Max Finkgräfe finds himself without playing time after the 4-2 cup defeat. The 21‑year‑old full‑back, who arrived for four million euros in the summer, is missing from the 20‑man squad because coach Marco Rose appears to favour other options.

Why is Finkgräfe currently left out?

Following the 4-2 win over 2. Liga rivals SV Sandhausen, Finkgräfe received neither a start nor a bench spot. Sky reported the omission was purely tactical – no injury was involved. Rose instead relied on David Raum, Ridle Baku, Kosta Nedeljković and Lutsharel Geertruida, all of whom are more integrated on the left side. Finkgräfe therefore remains the fourth full‑back without a minute.

How could a possible Galatasaray deal change the picture?

According to "Sky Spor", Galatasaray is negotiating the signing of Lutsharel Geertruida. The 25‑year‑old Dutchman's agent is already in Turkey to discuss terms. If Geertruida departs, a vacancy opens up on the right flank – a position Finkgräfe can also cover. Such an exit could give him a route back into the squad, as Rose would then need a replacement for the right‑side role.

What does this mean for the season‑opening clash with Bayern Munich?

On Friday, 22 August, RB Leipzig will face FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga opener. The squad will be trimmed again before the summer transfer window closes in roughly two weeks. Should the Galatasaray deal materialise, Finkgräfe could at least be listed as a backup for Geertruida and potentially serve as an emergency option in the Bayern match.

But the former FC player remains in a precarious position. He must accept that his playing chances now hinge on the moves of other defenders. Upcoming training sessions will reveal whether Rose is ready to bring Finkgräfe back into contention, or if the young defender will have to leave the club before the season kicks off.