RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner says he was more than happy to be linked with the likes of Crystal Palace this summer.

Sport 1 have an interview with the 26-year-old today in which he admits the interest gives him confidence that he’s on the right track.

They explain there was ‘concrete interest’ from Crystal Palace and Villarreal in the midfielder in the summer.

The Eagles interest likely came via Oliver Glasner, who will be well aware of his Austrian compatriot given their respective times in Germany. Added to Baumgartner’s 53 appearances for Austria to date.

A move never happened, though. He elected to remain in Leipzig, where he’s been since making a €25.5m move in 2023. He was aware of the interest, though, and admits he welcomed it as it provides confidence and a certain validation.

“It gives you confidence”

MAINZ, GERMANY – 13 SEPTEMBER, 2025: Christoph Baumgartner, Johan Bakayoko, David Raum – The Bundesliga match 1. FSV Mainz 05 vs RB Leipzig at Mewa Arena.

“Sure, it’s a certain validation when other clubs are interested in you. It gives you confidence,” he said when asked if the interest appealed to him.

“After...