Orban stays at RB Leipzig after Saudi move collapses

Willi Orban will remain at RB Leipzig despite a near-completed transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Diriya. According to insider Florian Plettenberg, the 33-year-old center-back had already agreed to a two-year contract worth $15 million total, with a medical exam scheduled for Monday. The Saudi club's doctor had even flown to Leipzig to oversee the tests. However, RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer blocked the deal after teammate Abdula Kone picked up an injury, leaving the Bundesliga side short on defensive options. The club decided they could not afford to lose their captain mid-season. Orban is now expected to lead the team in the Champions League under new head coach Martin Demichelis. His current contract with Leipzig runs until 2027.