RB Leipzig focuses on developing homegrown talent under Wagner's leadership

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 9:00 AM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

RB Leipzig focuses on developing homegrown talent under Wagner's leadership

Summary

RB Leipzig aims to enhance its youth academy under David Wagner, appointed as head of youth development in summer 2025. Despite the club's success, Wagner noted that the rapid rise has left the academy trailing. He discussed the need for good players, management support, and coach willingness to integrate youth talent like 17-year-old Samba Konaté into the first team. Wagner also emphasized increasing competitive opportunities for youth players, with plans for over 45 matches this season and a focus on individual development rather than team results.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•David Wagner leads youth development at RB Leipzig since summer 2025.
•The academy is working to catch up with the successful first team.
•Samba Konaté is highlighted as a promising talent in the first team.
•Wagner introduced an international U21 tournament for more competitive play.
•The academy aims for over 45 competitive matches this season.

Latest Updates

9:00 AMYahoo Sports — RB Leipzig seek first academy breakthrough as Wagner and Schäfer outline pathway challenges

What they're saying

"
LEIPZIG (Bulinews): Yan Diomande, Josko Gvardiol and Benjamin Sesko are just three examples of young players RB Leipzig have recruited from abroad, developed and given opportunities at first-team leve...
— Yahoo Sports

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