Nici Seiwald has been at our club for 13 years - but that time is to come to an end this summer. The 21-year-old from Salzburg is having his exit clause triggered to join RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga - and has signed a five-year contract there.

From U9 to the academy and the Austrian national team

Nici Seiwald began with us in our U9 team. The dependable midfielder played through all the age groups including at the Red Bull Football Academy (where he won three titles) and co-operation club FC Liefering (making 37 appearances), before joining our serial champions' first-team squad. The local lad has made 95 appearances for us and won four titles (2x Bundesliga champions, 2x Cup winner). Seiwald has also made 10 appearances for the Austrian national team.

Views

Nici Seiwald has been with us for 13 years and is a shining example of how players can develop at FC Red Bull Salzburg. He has gone through all the age groups at our club and continually developed. He is now using the exit clause in his contract and has decided to take the next step in the summer and move to a top European league. We are extremely proud of how Nici has become a real key player for us in recent years despite his young age, and how he has developed his personality both on the pitch and off it. We are looking forward though to the last few months with him ahead as we have the big aim of taking the tenth title in a row to Salzburg.

Christoph Freund

I have played in Salzburg for many years and have learned everything I know as a footballer here. The last year has been incredible, in particular, and sometimes I have to pinch myself as so much has happened. Playing in the Champions League and for the Austrian national team have been particularly special. My journey will continue in the summer, when I move to RB Leipzig. The move makes sense for me with the similar playing style, and I am looking forward to it. Anyone who knows me will know that I will give absolutely everything until then for FC Red Bull Salzburg. It's my big aim to take another league title before I leave the club.

Nicolas Seiwald

Nicolas Seiwald moving to RB Leipzig