Bayer won the first German championship in 29 years ahead of schedule, but the euphoria from historical success could quickly give way to concern for the team’s future. The brilliant play of a number of Leverkusen club players has attracted the attention of the giants of European football, and in the summer the “pharmacists” will have to seriously try to preserve the champion squad. Already now there is a real hunt for Bayer’s leaders, and if the losses are too great, it will be extremely difficult to repeat the triumph next season.
Defenders on target: Tapsoba, Stanisic and Ta
Bayer’s defense was one of the keys to success in the last championship. But it is the defensive line that could undergo the most serious changes in the coming summer. Central defender Edmond Tapsoba has been playing for the Aspirins for five years now and his progress has not gone unnoticed. Manchester United, Tottenham and other Premier League clubs are showing interest in the 25-year-old, according to 1win-azerbaycan.com reports.
Another centerback, Josip Stanisic, on loan from Bayern, became a real thorn for the Munich team – the Croatian not only helped Bayer in the fight for the title, but also scored a goal for his former team in the key match of the season. Now the “pharmacists” want to buy the player, but Bayern intends to return Stanisic and is counting on him in the future.
Jonathan Ta, for whom the record holder is ready to pay 20 million euros, can also strengthen the Munich team. The Bayer graduate’s contract expires in 2025, and if he refuses to renew the agreement, he will be sold this summer.
Midfield stars and attacks on the giants’ radar
Leverkusen’s midfielders and forwards are even more tasty morsels for top clubs. Alejandro Grimaldo became a real discovery of the season – in his debut campaign in the Bundesliga, the Spaniard scored 22 points using the goal+pass system (9+13). Barcelona is eager to get their player back, but they will have competition from Bayern, Liverpool and Chelsea.
One of the leaders of the midfield, Jeremy Frimpong, came into the sphere of interest of Manchester United last summer. Now Bayern and Real Madrid will compete for the Dutchman. Frimpong’s contract specifies a release clause of 40 million euros, and it can be activated before the start of Euro 2024.
But the main target of the giants is Florian Wirtz, the rising star of Bayer. The 22-year-old German became the best assister in the Bundesliga (11 assists), and his talent is estimated at 150 million euros. Real Madrid and Bayern have already lined up for Wirtz, although the player himself has previously stated his desire to stay at least until 2025.
Forward Victor Bonifase, who made his bright debut in Germany, can also strengthen the attack of many top clubs. The Nigerian shares the laurels of Bayer Leverkusen’s top scorer with Wirtz (11 goals each), and Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus are hunting for his signature.
Thus, almost every line of Bayer is at risk of undergoing a major restructuring in the next transfer window. It will be extremely difficult to retain all the leaders – the newly minted champion status is unlikely to outweigh the opportunity to play in top clubs and receive fabulous contracts. “Pharmacists” will have to use all their charm and eloquence in negotiations with the players, and also try to find them a worthy replacement if they leave. This will determine whether Bayer will be able to turn last season’s triumph into championship hegemony, or whether Leverkusen’s golden years will be limited to one bright flash.
