Crystal Palace endured a frustrating summer transfer window after missing out on several high-profile targets, including Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck and RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
The Eagles made an approach for Bisseck but failed to strike a deal with the Italian club, eventually turning their attention to Jaydee Canvot, who arrived in a £16 million move instead.
Another target on Palace’s radar was Baumgartner, who has now revealed why he chose to remain in Germany rather than link up with compatriot and Palace manager Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
Baumgartner Explains Why He Rejected Palace Interest
Speaking to Sport1, the Austria international confirmed that while he was flattered by the Premier League interest, he never seriously considered leaving RB Leipzig.
“Of course, it’s nice when other clubs show interest — it gives you confidence,” Baumgartner said. “There were clubs from both the Champions League and the Premier League, but my focus was always clear. If I got a fair chance here in Leipzig, I wanted to stay and make it work.
“The club trusted me, and that made my decision easy. I’m very happy here. Leipzig has been one of the most successful clubs in Germany in recent years, and staying was the right choice. I don’t have a strict career plan — I just want to keep improving.”
Baumgartner joined RB Leipzig from Hoffenheim for £24 million in 2023 and has since become a key figure in Marco Rose’s side. The 26-year-old has scored twice in six Bundesliga appearances this season and helped his team to an unbeaten run of four wins and a draw after stepping into the starting lineup following Xavi Simons’ departure to Tottenham.
Palace’s Positive Response to the Snub
While Palace’s pursuit of Baumgartner ultimately failed, the club moved quickly to secure alternative reinforcements. The south London side completed a £21.6 million deal for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino, a player who wasn’t among their original targets at the start of the summer.
According to The Telegraph, there were internal debates within Palace’s recruitment meetings over whether the Spanish winger was the right fit to fill the creative void left by Eberechi Eze’s injury concerns. However, Pino has since made an encouraging start to life in England.
His standout performance in the 2–0 Europa League victory over Dynamo Kyiv — where he provided two brilliant assists — suggested that Palace’s late pivot in the market may have paid off handsomely.
Though missing out on Baumgartner and Bisseck was disappointing, Palace’s quick recovery in the transfer market has helped steady their ambitions for the season ahead.