Bundesliga club RB Leipzig have announced the appointment of Markus Krösche as the new Sporting Director of the club. The 38 year old will replace Ralf Rangnick who will become Head of Sport and Development Soccer at Red Bull from July 1.

Krösche, who joins Leipzig from newly-promoted Bundesliga side SC Paderborn 07, has signed a contract until June 30, 2022.

Rangnick was instrumental in the successful rise of RB Leipzig in the last few years. The 60-year-old has now decided to join Red Bull in a new role which will see him act as an advisor for Red Bull’s football clubs in New York, Brazil and Leipzig. Assistant Coach & Videoanalyst Lars Kornetka will also leave his position as well to join Rangnick at Red Bull.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO, RB Leipzig said: “We’re pleased that we were able to secure Markus Krösche as our sporting director. I’d like to thank SC Paderborn once again for the trusting, constructive and open talks with their club officials. In future, there will be a long-term partnership between our two clubs. Markus Krösche is also the absolute preferred candidate of Ralf Rangnick, and with his appointment, we’re getting a proven expert, who recently had great success in his work with SC Paderborn. We’re convinced that he will, together with Julian Nagelsmann, continue on the path we have already embarked upon.”

Markus Krösche said: “I’m looking forward to a new and exciting challenge at RB Leipzig, as well as working together with the whole team. The talks with the club officials convinced me and aided my decision to make the next step here, as well as to also further my own personal development. Through my work, I’d like to make sure that we continue to establish ourselves nationally and internationally, and celebrate more successes together.”