Schröder (main picture) will officially join RB Leipzig on April 1 and will report directly into Max Eberl, Managing Director of Sport.

The 47-year-old will focus on scouting and squad planning for the first team.

A former professional, he was Sporting Director at FC Schalke 04 until October 2022. 

Eberl was delighted to land his first choice, noting: "We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to bring him to the club. Rouven has lots of expertise and has proven what he’s capable of in his previous roles. He will join us in April and support me with squad planning, scouting and everything else to do with the first team."

Schröder added: "I’m really excited for my new challenge at RB Leipzig. RB are one of the best teams in the Bundesliga and regularly play in the Champions League. I now want to play my part in helping the club to take the next steps in its development."

Schröder is a former MD of Sport and Sporting Director at Mainz, Sporting Director at Werder Bremen and Head of Sport at Greuther Fürth.

Meanwhile, Arabi (pictured above) has taken the decision to leave Arminia, where he has worked since 2011, initially as Sporting Director and since 2016 as MD of Sport.

After being relegated to the second division last season, Arminia are in the relegation zone and threatened with falling into the 3. Liga.

Arabi said: "In the current critical sporting situation, I would like to make a personal contribution with my retirement so that a new impetus can be given at a central point in the club. I'm grateful for many years of trusting cooperation and I'll keep my fingers crossed for Arminia that things will pick up again quickly."