Arsenal have once again invested in the future, signing Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig for a reported €600,000 – making her the most expensive player to ever leave the Frauen Bundesliga. At just 19, the winger arrives in North London with a reputation as one of Germanys most exciting young prospects – and with expectations that match her record-breaking transfer fee.
“I like a challenge, the league is very competitive, and Arsenal is a big club.”
Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2006, the winger moved to Germany at the age of four, where she began playing football for MTV Ahrensbök. Baum joined HSV in 2021 and signed her first professional contract a year later, having previously played in the club’s academy on dual registration with TSV Pansdorf.
In 2022, she tragically lost her brother, who had introduced her to football, in a car accident. Since then, the winger has honoured his memory by writing a meaningful word on a piece of tape around her wrist before every match.
She then went on to make her senior debut in August of the same year, featuring in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Three years later, HSV secured promotion to the Bundesliga and reached the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal the same season. Following 17 goals in 59 appearances for HSV, Baum signed for RB Leipzig in May 2025. The winger has agreed to a three-year deal with Arsenal, including an option to extend for a further year, bringing her time in the Bundesliga to an end.
“I played with boys, I think until I was 14 years old. And then my first club was Hamburg and then Leipzig for one year, and now I’m here already.“
Furthermore, the youngster has also impressed on the international stage, making her Germany U16 debut in a friendly against Denmark in 2021. Two years down the line, she then scored her first international goal in Germany’s 13-0 win against North Macedonia, as part of their Euros Qualification. In 2024, Baum featured in every fixture of the U20s World Cup, finding the back of the net against Canada after just 96 seconds. Germany’s campaign ultimately came to an end in the quarterfinals against the United States.
“The way I play football, I think Arsenal is the perfect match. And I just like the style of play Arsenal play.”
Baum is an explosive, highly energetic, and direct young winger. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers specifically mentioned her direct intent, pace and athleticism, bringing youth and high-energy pressing into Arsenal’s attacking options. Beyond her raw speed on the flank, she is known for her sharp off-ball movement, technical skill and eye for goal, having scored 6 goals in 26 appearances during her single season with RB Leipzig.
“Lisa is a young wide forward who will bring direct intent and athleticism to our attacking group. At 19, she is still developing and we believe she has huge potential, which we will support her to achieve. We welcome her to Arsenal and look forward to the road ahead together.” – Renee Slegers
Rather than arriving as a direct replacement for a single departing star, Baum’s signing forms part of Arsenal’s wider attacking evolution. The 19-year-old adds pace, directness and valuable depth in the wide areas as Renée Slegers continues to reshape the Gunners’ forward line with a younger, more dynamic profile.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Baum
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5yzymzln5no
https://www.arsenal.com/news/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-lisa-baum-aBNxv5X1Lca1
