体坛英语新闻：Leipzig sign midfielder Haidara from Salzburg

BERLIN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Leipzig have signed midfielder Amadou Haidara from Austrian outfit Salzburg, both clubs confirmed on Saturday.

The 20-year-old will join the "Bulls" on January 1 after putting pen to paper on the five-year deal, which will keep him at Leipzig until June 2023.

"We are very pleased that the signing of Amadou Haidara has worked out. We have observed his performances at Salzburg since he developed to an absolute exceptional player there. There are not many player of his age who have such a great potential," Leipzig head coach Ralf Rangnick said.

The Mali international joined Salzburg in the summer 2017 and provided ever since six goals and twelve assists in overall 48 competitive appearances in Austria's top flight.

"I am very satisfied with my transfer to Leipzig and I am also looking forward to the Bundesliga. For me, the main thing now is to get in shape as soon as possible. I am on the right path but I will need more time to get fully on track," Haidara said.

His new club sits currently on the fourth position of the Bundesliga standings and eyes for a berth in UEFA Champions League's group stage.