RB Leipzig have announced the signing of SC Paderborn goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old is a product of the Bayern Munich academy, where he made 50 appearances for the reserve side. However, it was with Paderborn where Zingerle established himself as a first-choice goalkeeper making 28 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2019-20 campaign.
Upon the signing, Zingerle explained: “RBL has matured into an absolute top club in recent years. To now be able to play for a club that plays for the title every year is something very special for me. I’m very happy about the step to RB Leipzig,” before adding: “The level of the goalkeeping team is very high, as is the whole squad. I’m looking forward to working with the lads every day.”
Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl is excited at the prospect of having Zingerle in the team: “Leo is a goalkeeper with plenty of first and second-division experience who brings a strong positional play. He is very agile and very variable in the build-up of the game with both feet,” before concluding: “With his balanced and positive nature, he fits perfectly into our team.”
Zingerle’s contract with Paderborn expired this summer and Leipzig acted quickly to bring in their replacement for the departing Örjan Nyland. The Norwegian goalkeeper departs Saxony this summer after supporting Janis Blaswich in the absence of Péter Gulácsi. It’s likely that Zingerle will act as a backup to Blaswich possibly competing in the DFB Pokal and perhaps the occasional game in the Bundesliga.
GGFN | Will Shopland
