Report: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea made inquiries for highly rated defender Leandro Morgalla before his move to RB Salzburg

Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea were among the many clubs interested in signing talented defender Leandro Morgalla before he decided to join RB Salzburg.

Leandro Morgalla completed his move from 1860 Munich to RB Salzburg last week, joining the Austrian giants on a five year contract. The Germany U-19s international is considered to be one of the most promising young defenders in the country and RB Salzburg paid a fee in the region of three million euros (including bonuses) for his signature.

According to Kicker, a number of big clubs were interested in signing Morgalla before he decided to join RB Salzburg. The magazine adds that Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and VfB Stuttgart were among the many clubs that made inquiries for the 18 year old’s signature. And he also held talks with English Premier League side Chelsea, but RB Salzburg ultimately won the race for his signature.

Leandro Morgalla made his first-team breakthrough at 1860 Munich last season, and established himself as a regular starter for the 3. Liga side. The young defender also played 90 minutes in 1860 Munich’s DFB-Pokal first round tie against Borussia Dortmund last July. He made a total of 46 first-team appearances for 1860 Munich.

Morgalla will now hope to follow in the footsteps of Karim Adeyemi, who also moved to RB Salzburg from a lower division club in Germany before making his breakthrough in Austria and then earning a big money move to Borussia Dortmund. He will spend the next season out on loan at FC Liefering, before returning to RB Salzburg in 2024.