Forsberg “can definitely understand” the criticism of transfers between RB clubs

Emil Forsberg can see why RB Leipzig are being criticized for signing players from RB Salzburg.

Over the years, RB Leipzig have regularly raided RB Salzburg for quality players, with Konrad Laimer, Peter Gulacsi and Dominik Szoboszlai among the players who have profited from the two sister clubs’ close relationship.

On Sunday, Leipzig announced their 20th signing from Salzburg, revealing that 21-year-old midfielder Nicolas Seiwald will make the switch to Germany on a five-year deal this summer.

Many have criticized Leipzig’s transfer strategy, including their new sporting director, Max Eberl. The former Gladbach boss told Focus in 2016 that “it gives a bad taste in the mouth because they basically have two squads”.

Speaking on the ‘Ran Bundesliga-Webshow’ on Monday, Leipzig attacker Emil Forsberg showed understanding for the criticism of the many transfers between the two clubs.

“I can definitely understand it, but I’m not worried about it. We just find good players there and bring them here,” Forsberg explained.

“In the meantime, I have to learn more Austrian expressions because more and more terms like ‘Grüß Gott’ (Editor’s note: a greeting most commonly used in Southern Germany and Austria) are used.

“They are just top players and they want to come to us, although they probably have alternatives. They want to join us because they know we do a lot of things right.

“You have seen the development of Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer. A lot of players have developed very well here. Of course, that inspires other players.”

Forsberg joined Leipzig from Malmö FF in January 2015.

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