Bayer Leverkusen Make Big Moves in Summer Transfer Window
Bayer Leverkusen have had a busy summer, bringing in new players to strengthen the squad. The club has focused on signing young talent as well as experienced professionals. One of the biggest arrivals is American midfielder Malik Tillman. The 23-year-old joins from PSV Eindhoven after impressive spells at Bayern Munich and Rangers. Tillman is expected to add creativity and energy to Leverkusen’s midfield. Another key signing is England defender Jarell Quansah. He leaves Liverpool for £30 million and joins on a long-term deal. The versatile centre-back will be a strong addition, while Liverpool keep a buy-back option.
The club has also signed Moroccan winger Eliesse Ben Seghir from Monaco. The 20-year-old forward is known for his flair and skill and has signed a five-year deal. Argentine midfielder Exequiel Fernández, who played at the 2024 Paris Olympics, joins to boost the midfield. France centre-back Loïc Badé and Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye strengthen the defence. Young midfielder Ibrahim Maza, winger Ernest Poku, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken, returning from Brentford, are also new additions. Leverkusen have added both youth and experience, showing ambition for Bundesliga and Europe.
Leverkusen’s strategy this summer shows a clear plan to compete at the highest level. The club has focused not only on immediate impact players but also on future stars. Players like Axel Tape, a 17-year-old midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain, and Christian Kofane, a Cameroon Under-20 forward, show the club’s dedication to developing young talent. Experienced players such as Lucas Vázquez from Real Madrid and Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City add depth and international experience, giving the squad balance between youth and senior leadership.
Several players have left the club. Florian Wirtz moves to Liverpool for a club-record £116 million, becoming the most expensive British player ever. Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong also joins Liverpool after triggering his €35 million release clause. Moroccan winger Amine Adli has moved to Bournemouth. Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou joins Atalanta, while Granit Xhaka leaves for Sunderland. Experienced goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky signs with Monaco. Piero Hincapié moves to Arsenal on loan with a permanent deal planned for next summer. Other young players, including Victor Boniface, Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, Abdoulaye Faye, Tim Oermann, Matej Kovar, and Luca Novodomsky, have been sent out on loan.
The departure of key players will challenge Leverkusen in the early months of the season. Losing stars like Wirtz and Frimpong creates gaps in attack and defence that new signings will need to fill quickly. Fans will watch closely to see how the team adapts under Erik ten Hag, who has already overseen significant squad changes. The mix of young prospects and experienced professionals will be tested in the Bundesliga and in Europe, where Leverkusen aim to make a strong impression.
This summer has reshaped Bayer Leverkusen’s squad. New arrivals like Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, and Eliesse Ben Seghir bring fresh energy and talent. At the same time, losing established stars will force the team to adapt quickly. With a clear plan and ambitious signings, Leverkusen hope to compete at the highest level and excite their fans with both domestic and European performances.
