Maarten Vandevoordt plays down exit links as he eyes No. 1 role at RB Leipzig

Maarten Vandevoordt has played down speculation over his future, saying he has a firm desire to become RB Leipzig’s first-choice goalkeeper.

RB Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt has had to wait patiently for regular playing time since joining the Bundesliga side from RC Genk for a reported €10 million in the summer of 2024.

The Belgian shot-stopper’s limited opportunities behind Péter Gulácsi led to speculation over his future, but in February, he put that to rest by signing a new long-term contract until 2030.

With his sights set on finally stepping into the spotlight for RB Leipzig, the 24-year-old is not considering a summer move.

“I’m not thinking about that. From the summer, I want to be Leipzig’s number one and I’m looking forward to that time,” Vandevoordt told Sport Bild.

He acknowledges that the possibility of leaving the club has been discussed during his time at Leipzig.

“We talked about it. Not because I didn’t like Leipzig, but because of my role and perspective,” he said.

The promise of a bigger role was a key factor in Vandevoordt’s decision to extend his contract.

“Yes, I can honestly say that. It was about the perspective of being number one. I have that, and that’s why I want to stay a long time. That Péter (Gulacsi) is also staying is very positive. We have a very good relationship – something between friendship and professional colleagues. Together with Leo (Leopold Zingerle), we are a very well-coordinated group of goalkeepers.”