RB Leipzig could lose midfielder Naby Keita, a target for Liverpool this year, in next summer’s transfer window.
Leipzig rejected a reported €83 million approach from Liverpool, but Guinea international Keita can trigger a reported €55m release clause next year.
“Next season, Keita theoretically has the option to leave,” sporting director Ralf Rangnick told Bild.
“I’d like to think that he will play another strong season, also in Champions League, and then there will be big clubs who are interested in him.
“Therefore it will presumably be pretty tough to keep him here.”
Keita joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg for €15m last year, with the Bundesliga club fending off interest from clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool to secure his signature.
Stephan Uersfeld is the Germany correspondent for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @uersfeld.