Rebuilding for Success
With Erik ten Hag taking over as Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach, the club is preparing for a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season. Following the departures of key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah, Leverkusen is expected to sign between five and seven new players to maintain their competitive edge in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Key Positions Leverkusen Needs to Strengthen
Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has outlined the club’s transfer priorities, focusing on:
- Midfield Creativity – Replacing Florian Wirtz, who was the team’s playmaker.
- Defensive Stability – Finding replacements for Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong.
- Goalkeeping Reinforcement – Securing a top-tier goalkeeper.
- Attacking Depth – Strengthening the forward line.
Potential Signings for Bayer Leverkusen
1. Malik Thiaw (AC Milan) – Center-Back
Leverkusen is targeting AC Milan’s Malik Thiaw as a replacement for Jonathan Tah. The German defender, valued at €20-25 million, is seen as an ideal fit for ten Hag’s defensive system.
Thiaw’s 2024/25 Season Stats at AC Milan
| Statistic | Value |
| Appearances | 38 |
| Tackles Won | 84% |
| Interceptions Per Game | 2.1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 91% |
Thiaw’s physical presence and tactical awareness make him a strong candidate to bolster Leverkusen’s defense.
2. Mark Flekken (Brentford) – Goalkeeper
Leverkusen is advancing negotiations for Brentford’s Mark Flekken, who is available for around €10 million. The Dutch goalkeeper is expected to replace Lukas Hradecky as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper.
Flekken’s 2024/25 Season Stats at Brentford
| Statistic | Value |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Clean Sheets | 12 |
| Save Percentage | 78% |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
Flekken’s quick reflexes and ball distribution align well with ten Hag’s possession-based system.
3. Joan García (Espanyol) – Goalkeeper Alternative
If Leverkusen fails to sign Flekken, they could pursue Espanyol’s Joan García, who would cost over €20 million. García is regarded as a top young goalkeeper, with multiple clubs interested in his services.
García’s 2024/25 Season Stats at Espanyol
| Statistic | Value |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Clean Sheets | 14 |
| Save Percentage | 81% |
García’s shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure make him a strong alternative.
4. Aleix García (Girona) – Midfield Playmaker
Leverkusen is considering Aleix García as a replacement for Florian Wirtz. The Spanish midfielder, known for his vision and passing, could provide the creativity needed in midfield.
García’s 2024/25 Season Stats at Girona
| Statistic | Value |
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Key Passes Per Game | 2.5 |
García’s ability to dictate play would be crucial in ten Hag’s tactical setup.
5. Nordi Mukiele (Paris Saint-Germain) – Right-Back
With Jeremie Frimpong leaving, Leverkusen is targeting PSG’s Nordi Mukiele to fill the right-back position. Mukiele’s defensive solidity and attacking support make him a strong candidate.
Mukiele’s 2024/25 Season Stats at PSG
| Statistic | Value |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Tackles Won | 83% |
| Interceptions Per Game | 2.4 |
| Successful Dribbles | 76% |
Mukiele’s versatility allows him to play as a right-back or center-back, making him a valuable addition.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s Rebuild at Leverkusen
Erik ten Hag faces a massive challenge in rebuilding Bayer Leverkusen, but the club is actively pursuing key signings to maintain their competitive status in the Bundesliga. With five to seven new players expected, Leverkusen aims to challenge Bayern Munich and compete in Europe.
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