The surprise package of this season’s German Bundesliga, Red Bull Leipzig, has unveiled plans to expand its stadium to 57,000-capacity after purchasing the venue.

After a meteoric rise from its foundation in 2009 to second in the Bundesliga in just seven years, the club owned by the energy drinks giant is intent on ramping up its growth.

A pre-planning application has been sent by the club to the city of Leipzig, and the expansion is expected to be complete by 2018.

An undisclosed purchase price for the stadium has been agreed.

The club’s Red Bull Arena was built for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by Germany, and has a capacity of 43,000.

No architect is currently attached to the project.

When contacted by Sports Management, a Red Bull Leipzig spokesperson said it was “too soon to talk about specific details and plans” and that there are “still different bureaucratic steps to take” in the process.

Oliver Mintzlaff, managing director of Red Bull Leipzig, said: “The decision is a clear signal for our fans, the location as well as the city of Leipzig.

“Now it is up to the city to agree to the sale and to make a positive decision on our building request.”

The Red Bull Arena is the second-largest stadium in East Germany after Berlin’s Olympiastadion, which can hold 74,000 people.