(Football news) It was rumoured that Dortmund and Bayern Munich were the only realistic destinations for David Raum in Germany but now it seems that out of nowhere, RB Leipzig are set to sign the left-back in a dramatic turn of events. The cost for the German international is unclear, but Hoffenheim were looking for a fee in the range of €30 to €40 million. Raum only moved to Hoffenheim on a free transfer from Fürth last summer and made his Germany debut. Only 6 months into his time at the club, Hoffenheim signed a contract extension with the player until 2026. Raum last season scored 3 goals and 13 assists for Hoffenheim, as he became one of the most dangerous crossers in Europe. The 24-year-old would join Angeliño and provide competition at left-back for RB Leipzig.

Raum has been linked with a number of clubs in Europe, including the likes of both Manchester City and Bayern Munich but Leipzig were in touch with Raum’s entourage for months and now appear set to sign him. These developments may come as a shock to Dortmund fans as they were favourites to sign him, although it remains up for debate just how much of a defensive upgrade he would prove to be over Raphael Guerreiro. A comparison on the statistical level, suggests that they are both far more offensively minded than being defensive while Raum’s defensive stats are indeed slightly better. RB Leipzig are set to lose out on Nordi Mukiele and Raum is an able replacement for him.

The main difference between the two is that David Raum seems to be better at running and showing commitment over the course of 90 minutes, with the German right back generally being the more active of the two players. Angeliño, last season was one of the best-attacking full-backs in the league, providing 3 goals and 12 assists across 40 games in all competitions last year while David Raum produced similar numbers across 32 games for Hoffenheim. Raum’s defensive numbers are a tad bit better which gives an indication that Domenico Tedesco might use him as a left centre back in back three with Angelino on the left, now the Leipzig manager has the flexibility to tinker with his formation. 

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