When RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund swap talent, the Bundesliga feels a little smaller. The trio most often cited – Marcel Sabitzer, midfielder of Borussia Dortmund, Kevin Kampl, midfielder who now wears the RB Leipzig badge, and Abdou Diallo, a centre‑back who has featured for both sides, illustrate just how fluid the rivalry has become. Their moves have sparked debates about loyalty, tactical fit, and the business side of German football.
The Red Bull Divide: Why Players Switch
Both clubs are backed by the same energy‑drink empire, yet they operate as separate entities on the pitch. The Red Bull Group’s ownership of RB Leipzig gives the club a reputation for nurturing young talent, while Borussia Dortmund has built its brand on scouting affordable stars and giving them a platform. This overlapping network makes transfers feel less like betrayals and more like internal promotions. As former Dortmund scout Jens Lehmann put it, “The two clubs speak the same language; it’s natural for players to drift between them when the right offer appears.”
Marcel Sabitzer: From Leipzig to Dortmund
Sabitzer’s story reads like a European tour. He left Austria’s Rapid Vienna for RB Leipzig in 2014, spent a loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg, then cemented his place in Leipzig’s midfield, racking up more than 200 appearances. In August 2021, Bayern Munich paid a reported €16 million for the 25‑year‑old, hoping his box‑to‑box dynamism would fill a gap left by Leon Goretzka. The move, however, turned into a loan to Manchester United in February 2023, where he featured in the EFL Cup final victory over Newcastle United.
On 24 July 2023, after a mixed spell in England, Sabitzer signed a four‑year contract with Borussia Dortmund. He opened his Dortmund account on 12 August with a goal in a 6‑1 DFB‑Pokal win over Schott Mainz. The highlight came on 16 April 2024, when he supplied two assists and scored the winner in a 4‑2 Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Atlético Madrid, sending BVB to the semifinals for the first time since 2013.
Despite those heroics, Sabitzer’s form dipped under manager Nuri Sahin, and a knee issue early in Niko Kovač’s tenure didn’t help. Sport Bild reported in late May that Dortmund could look to cash in before his contract runs out in 2026‑27. Transfermarkt lists his market value at €10 million, a stark contrast to the €16 million Bayern paid three years earlier.
"He's a player who can change a game in seconds," says Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt. "When he's on, you feel the team lift. When he's off, you notice the gap."
Kevin Kampl: A Tale of Two Stints
Kampl’s path is a reverse of Sabitzer’s. After a journeyman spell that included Greuther Fürth, VfL Osnabrück, and a trophy‑laden stint at Red Bull Salzburg, he arrived at Borussia Dortmund in 2015. He made 19 Bundesliga appearances before returning to his boyhood club, Bayer Leverkusen, in 2016.
The 2017 summer saw Kampl head back to the Red Bull family, this time signing for RB Leipzig under Ralph Hasenhüttl. In his debut season, Leipzig finished sixth, just two points shy of Dortmund, securing a Europa League spot.
Fast‑forward to the 2023‑24 campaign, Kampl has logged over 200 appearances for Leipzig, collected two DFB‑Cup medals (2022, 2023) and lifted the German Supercup in 2023. His experience now anchors a youthful squad eyeing another Champions League qualification.
"Kevin brings leadership that you can’t buy," remarks Leipzig sporting director Robin Dutt. "His knowledge of Dortmund’s tactics adds a strategic edge, especially in derbies."
Abdou Diallo: Defensive Switch
Diallo’s Bundesliga résumé began at Mainz 05 after leaving AS Monaco in summer 2017. His strong debut season caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who signed the 23‑year‑old centre‑back ahead of the 2018‑19 season. He made his first league appearance for Dortmund on opening day, a 4‑1 home victory over his future employers RB Leipzig – a neat piece of irony.
After just one season, Paris‑Saint‑Germain swooped in, and Diallo spent four years in Ligue 1, snatching two Ligue 1 crowns, two French Cups and a Coupe de la Ligue. He returned to Germany in 2023, joining Mainz again before moving to another top‑flight club (details pending).
"Abdou’s reading of the game is superb," says former Dortmund defender Mats Hummels. "He knew when to step up against Leipzig, and that instinct served him well at PSG."
Impact on German Football
These three transfers highlight a broader pattern: the Bundesliga’s top clubs are increasingly recycling talent within a tight circle. For fans, the familiarity can breed both excitement and frustration – a player you once cheered for now dons the rival’s colours.
- Sabitzer has featured in over 250 Bundesliga matches across Leipzig and Dortmund.
- Kampl’s eight‑year spell at Leipzig includes two cup triumphs.
- Diallo’s single‑season stint at Dortmund still left a lasting defensive imprint.
Analysts from Kicker note that such moves keep the league competitive, as clubs avoid costly overseas signings and instead rely on proven domestic talent. Yet the downside is a potential plateau in tactical diversity, with teams sharing similar training philosophies. As former Bundesliga commissioner Wolfgang Niersbach warned in a 2022 interview, “If the same players keep looping between the same clubs, innovation could stall.”
Looking ahead, Dortmund’s contract situation with Sabitzer and Leipzig’s aim to retain Kampl will be watched closely. Whether the Red Bull‑backed clubs continue to act as a talent pipeline or start branching out will shape the next five years of German football.
Key Facts
- Marcel Sabitzer signed for Dortmund on 24 July 2023 (four‑year deal).
- Kevin Kampl joined Leipzig in 2017 after a brief Dortmund stint.
- Abdou Diallo debuted for Dortmund against Leipzig on 24 August 2018.
- All three have won major domestic trophies with their respective clubs.
- Transfer values range from €10 million (Sabitzer) to undisclosed fees for Kampl and Diallo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sabitzer’s move affect Dortmund’s midfield options?
Sabitzer adds a versatile box‑to‑box element, allowing Dortmund to shift between a 4‑3‑3 and a 3‑5‑2 without major personnel changes. His experience in the Champions League also gives the squad a tactical edge in high‑pressure matches.
What are the chances Kampl will leave Leipzig this summer?
Given his contract runs until 2026 and his influence in the locker room, Leipzig are unlikely to sell unless a substantial offer arrives. Rumours of a Bundesliga rival interest have surfaced, but nothing concrete yet.
Why do German clubs prefer domestic transfers over foreign signings?
Domestic moves reduce language barriers, lower transfer fees, and comply with the league’s focus on home‑grown players. Clubs also benefit from the players’ familiarity with the Bundesliga’s tactical style.
How did Diallo’s stint at PSG influence his defensive style?
Playing in Ligue 1 under Didier Deschamps sharpened Diallo’s positional awareness and ball‑playing abilities. Those traits made him a more composure‑filled centre‑back when he returned to the German league.
What does the future look like for player movement between Leipzig and Dortmund?
Both clubs will likely continue exchanging talent, especially as Red Bull’s scouting network feeds Leipzig while Dortmund seeks proven Bundesliga performers. However, financial constraints could push each side to look abroad for marquee signings.
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