RB Leipzig have opened talks over a contract extension with Willi Orban. The deal for the centre-back runs until 2027, but the club is already exploring the possibility of extending his stay. This comes against the backdrop of a successful season that sees the team sitting 4th in the Bundesliga with 18 points from nine games, just three points behind the league leaders.
Sporting director Marcel Schäfer confirmed the interest. He expressed the desire for the veteran to play many more games for the club. Orban himself remains relaxed about the situation. He stated he is not thinking about it at all, but is enjoying the time and trying to give everything to achieve the team's goals.
Orban the ever-present
His on-field performance makes a strong case for renewal. Orban has not missed a minute of competitive action for Leipzig or the Hungarian national team this season. This consistency stands in contrast to other defenders who have faced physical issues. Having made his 400th appearance for the Red Bulls, Orban is also chasing a personal club record. Yussuf Poulsen holds the appearance record, a mark the Hungarian aims to surpass.
The financial aspect of the decision is more complicated. The squad currently features three other right-footed centre-backs on long-term contracts. An extension for Orban would be more feasible if one of the younger defenders were to depart permanently.
Current form supports his case
Orban's stability is a cornerstone of the team's current strong run. Leipzig sit 4th in the Bundesliga table with 18 points from six wins and three defeats. The team has won four and lost one of its last five matches. Their most recent outing, a 5-2 home win over FC Augsburg on Saturday 7 November, showed their attacking threat, with the team having scored 27 goals this season. Christopher Nkunku, the current top scorer with five goals, was on the scoresheet alongside David Raum and Christoph Baumgartner.
Recent results, including a 2-0 win at Schalke and a 2-1 win in Essen, demonstrate the good form. Ahead of the next fixture away to Union Berlin on Saturday 21 November, the defence marshalled by Orban remains a key component. The club now has time to finalise its squad planning for the coming years while the experienced defender continues to feature in every match.
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