Gruda spent the second half of the season on loan from Brighton, where he is contracted until 2028. RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer confirmed the player's preference publicly to Bild.
"We have received clear signals from Brajan that he wants to stay with us. We also want him — we value him highly."
Leipzig's preferred structure is a further one-year loan with a buy option set at around €30 million, which would become obligatory in the summer of 2027 if certain conditions are met. Brighton paid approximately the same figure when they signed Gruda from Mainz 05 in 2024.
The 20-year-old German attacker, who operates across the forward line and was effective in Leipzig's system, has no desire to return to Falmer Stadium for what would be a third consecutive season on the periphery of Fabian Hurzeler's squad. His preference for Leipzig over a return to Brighton is now a matter of public record.
Whether Brighton agree to the proposed arrangement or demand an immediate sale — or insist the player returns — will determine the next chapter of a situation that suits almost everyone except the party currently holding the contract.