RB Leipzig midfielder Kevin Kampl, who has been with the club for eight years, is currently going through a very difficult personal period. Recent rumors suggested that the 35-year-old Slovenian might retire early, but the club’s managing director Marcel Schäfer has clarified that no decision has been made yet.
Schäfer spoke ahead of Leipzig’s Bundesliga match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, revealing that the club has held several private and confidential discussions with Kampl regarding his unique circumstances and family situation. He emphasized that the situation is ongoing and that no final decision has been taken:
“We have had several open and very confidential talks in recent weeks about the special circumstances and his family situation. Nothing has been decided yet.”
The Leipzig director asked for public understanding, noting that Kampl is dealing with a sudden loss in his close family, and urged sensitivity from the media:
“Football thrives on headlines and transfer news to some extent, but this is a very personal situation where I would have hoped for more discretion and sensitivity, especially since nothing has been decided yet.”
Kampl’s well-being remains the top priority for both the player and the club. Schäfer confirmed that multiple options are being considered and any official announcement will come only after discussions with Kampl and his family. Leipzig coach Ole Werner echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Kampl has the time he needs to decide what he wants to do next:
“Kevin can decide for himself how long he needs and what he plans to do, together with his family. We have given him that time. It’s a normal human approach, and that’s how it should be handled.”
Since joining Leipzig in the 2017/18 season, Kampl has made 283 appearances and scored 10 goals for the club. He previously played for clubs including SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, VfL Osnabrück, VfR Aalen, Red Bull Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund. With Leipzig, he won the DFB-Pokal in 2022 and 2023.
