Effenberg questions Rocco Reitz amid RB Leipzig transfer links

Stefan Effenberg has criticised Gladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz amid reports linking him with RB Leipzig.

Following confirmation that Xaver Schlager will leave RB Leipzig on a free transfer this summer, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz has been widely named as the club’s preferred replacement.

Former Germany international Stefan Effenberg, however, doesn’t believe Reitz’s recent performances justify the interest.

“So Leipzig is interested in Rocco Reitz? But for that, you have to deliver good performances,” Effenberg said on Sport1’s ‘Doppelpass’ show, adding that he is “not satisfied at all” with the 23-year-old central midfielder’s development.

Reitz has worn the captain’s armband this season in the absence of injured veteran Tim Kleindienst, and Effenberg suggests that the added responsibility has negatively affected his performances.

“If you’re a young, central player, you need someone by your side to guide you. That’s enormous pressure. And his performances fluctuate a lot. He’s been in a slump for several weeks in my opinion,” he said.

Reitz remains contracted to Gladbach until the summer of 2028.