RB Leipzig have reached an agreement with Göztepe to sign 23-year-old Brazilian striker Rômulo as a replacement for Benjamin Sesko, in a deal worth 20 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons.
With the high-profile transfer of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United now confirmed, RB Leipzig have moved quickly to secure a replacement and appear to have found their man in Brazil’s Rômulo.
According to renowned transfer market journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga side have reached an agreement with Turkish club Göztepe for the 23-year-old striker, in a deal worth 20 million euros plus a further five million in performance-related add-ons. The agreement is said to be in its final stages, with personal terms also close to being settled.
Leipzig’s proactive approach reflects their transfer model, which has become well known across Europe for identifying emerging talent, developing it, and often selling for substantial profit. The sale of Sesko to Manchester United is the latest example of this strategy in action, with the Slovenian striker moving to Old Trafford after just one full season in Germany. The departure leaves a notable gap in Leipzig’s attack, both in terms of goals and tactical presence, prompting the club to act swiftly in the market.
Rômulo’s rise has been relatively rapid. Born in Brazil, he began his professional career with Athletico Paranaense, where his physical presence and eye for goal earned him attention both domestically and abroad. His move to Turkey in the 2023/24 season to join Göztepe was something of a gamble swapping Brazil’s Serie A for the more modest profile of the Turkish top flight but it paid off in spectacular fashion.
In his debut campaign in Turkey, Rômulo scored 17 goals across all competitions, quickly becoming Göztepe’s main attacking threat. His scoring record was all the more impressive given that he was playing for a team not among the league’s traditional powerhouses. His ability to find the net in a variety of ways from poacher’s finishes inside the box to long-range efforts drew the attention of scouts across Europe.
Leipzig, known for their high-intensity pressing game and dynamic attacking transitions, appear to see Rômulo as a player capable of fitting seamlessly into their style. Standing at 1.85m, he combines physical strength with good acceleration, making him effective both in holding up the ball and in running in behind defences. His age also fits perfectly with the club’s recruitment philosophy, targeting players in their early-to-mid 20s who still have room for development and potential resale value.
The reported structure of the deal 20 million euros upfront plus 5 million in add-ons is significant for a player coming from the Turkish league, underlining how highly Leipzig rate his potential. The add-ons are expected to be linked to performance metrics such as appearances, goals scored, and possibly Leipzig’s success in European competition. For Göztepe, the deal represents a major financial boost, with the club set to make a substantial profit on a player they signed barely a year ago.
If completed, the signing of Rômulo would give Leipzig another option in a forward line that already includes Lois Openda, Timo Werner, and Dani Olmo. While Werner offers pace and Openda brings a mix of physicality and movement, Rômulo could provide a more direct, goal-focused presence, giving coach Marco Rose greater tactical flexibility. The Brazilian’s arrival might also allow Leipzig to rotate more effectively across competitions, particularly with the added demands of the Champions League group stage.
The move also highlights Leipzig’s expanding scouting reach. The Red Bull football network has a reputation for identifying talent from South America and introducing it to the European stage with recent examples including the likes of Enzo Fernández, Julian Álvarez, and Moisés Caicedo making the leap to top-tier leagues after initial breakthroughs. In Rômulo’s case, the Turkish Super Lig provided a proving ground where he could adapt to the demands of European football before making the jump to a major league like the Bundesliga.
Official confirmation of the transfer could come within days, as both clubs are keen to finalise the deal before the Bundesliga season kicks off. Should Rômulo adapt quickly to his new surroundings, Leipzig fans could see him debut in the opening weeks of the campaign. With Sesko gone and the need for goals as urgent as ever, the Brazilian forward will be under immediate pressure to justify the investment and show that he can thrive on one of Europe’s biggest stages.
