With FC Barcelona scouring the market for a new centre-forward, Julian Alvarez has been their absolute priority.
However, the Blaugrana have been keeping an eye on alternatives in case the Atletico Madrid does not arrive.
One such backup option was TSG Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani , who has now slipped away from the La Liga champions.
Indeed, according to Sky Sports (h/t SPORT ), the Kosovo international is all set to sign for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig imminent.y
Asllani is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations today ahead of completing his transfer from Hoffenheim.
Headed to Leipzig. (Photo by Neil Baynes/Getty Images)
The deal is worth an initial €25 million, with performance-related bonuses capable of taking the total package to €30 million.
Hoffenheim have already granted permission for the transfer to proceed, and provided the medical is completed without issue, Asllani will sign a contract running until 2031.
Asllani emerged as one of the Bundesliga's breakout performers during the 2025/26 campaign.
The 23-year-old scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 35 appearances, playing a key role in Hoffenheim's return to European competition.
Borussia Dortmund showed serious interest earlier in the transfer window, but Leipzig ultimately won the race for his signature.
To avoid disrupting negotiations, Asllani did not take part in Hoffenheim's pre-season preparations.
For Leipzig, securing his arrival was considered essential before finalising Yan Diomande 's expected transfer to Real Madrid .
Asllani was one of the forwards Barcelona monitored closely throughout the season as they searched for attacking reinforcements.
Asllani was liked by Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The Hoffenheim striker attracted attention because of both his potential and his relatively affordable release clause of €30 million.
He was never the club's first-choice target, but given the state of the striker market, Barcelona's technical department stepped up its scouting and gathered more information on his situation.
There were also contacts between the parties. Hansi Flick received very positive reports on the player, and Barça were aware that Asllani was extremely keen on joining the club.
The Kosovan international has never hidden his admiration for Barcelona. In recent months, he repeatedly hinted at his affection for the Catalan club through activity on social media , fuelling hopes that he could one day wear the Blaugrana shirt.
For now, however, that dream has been put on hold. Instead, the Kosovo international will continue his career with RB Leipzig, bringing Barcelona's interest in the striker to an end.
