As Bayer 04 Leverkusen prepares for the 2024/25 Bundesliga season and their international campaign in the UEFA Champions League, the focus is on building a squad capable of challenging for the Bundesliga title against FC Bayern, Dortmund and others once again.
Bayer Head Coach Xabi Alonso is determined to surpass last season’s performance, emphasising the need for top-tier results to achieve their ambitious goals.
Despite interest from other clubs, Alonso plans to retain highly sought-after centre-back Jonathan Tah, a key figure in their defensive lineup.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen boasts a rich history, including a Bundesliga title, two DFB-Pokal victories, and a UEFA Cup win. With 46 consecutive years in the top flight of German football, the club has established itself as a formidable force.
Their current squad is valued at €667.55 million, reflecting the depth of talent and potential within the team, as we will see in this Leverkusen analysis.
This Bayer 04 Leverkusen recruitment analysis will delve into the data, statistics and acquisitions needed to fortify the squad for the upcoming season, ensuring they are well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts.
Bayer Leverkusen Departures 2024/25
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Bayer Leverkusen has seen several key departures that will undoubtedly impact their squad.
The total value of these transfers amounts to €7.55 million, with an average age of 25 among the departing players.
The most significant financial move was the sale of Sardar Azmoun to Shabab Al-Ahli Club in the UAE Pro League for €5 million.
Azmoun, known for his clinical finishing and aerial prowess, will be missed in Leverkusen’s attack.
Goalkeeper Patrick Pentz has joined Bröndby IF in Denmark’s Superliga for €2.55 million.
Pentz, with his reliable shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure, provided solid backup in goal.
Iker Bravo, a promising 19-year-old centre-forward, has moved to Udinese Calcio in Italy’s Serie A.
Bravo’s potential and technical skills make him a notable loss for the club.
Defensive midfielder Noah Mbamba has been loaned to Fortuna Düsseldorf, offering him valuable playing time to develop his defensive acumen and ball distribution skills.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah, a versatile right-back known for his defensive solidity and physicality, has left the club as a free agent.
Additionally, centre-back Josip Stanisic has returned to Bayern Munich at the end of his loan spell, removing a reliable option from Leverkusen’s defensive lineup.
Lastly, Borja Iglesias, the experienced centre-forward who was on loan from Real Betis Balompié, has returned to Spain.
Iglesias’ physical presence and goal-scoring instincts will be missed in Leverkusen’s attacking arsenal.
These departures create gaps in the squad that Bayer Leverkusen will need to address to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and their Champions League campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen New Signings 2024/25
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Bayer Leverkusen has bolstered its squad with a mix of experienced players and promising young talents, spending a total of €53 million on new arrivals.
With an average age of 23.5 years, the club has strategically added depth and quality across various positions to strengthen their campaign in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League.
One of the key signings is Martin Terrier from Stade Rennais FC, acquired for €20 million.
The 27-year-old French left winger brings a wealth of experience and attacking prowess.
Known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities, Terrier is expected to add a new dimension to Leverkusen’s offensive lineup.
Aleix García, a 27-year-old central midfielder from Girona FC, joins for €18 million.
García’s technical skills, vision, and passing accuracy will enhance Leverkusen’s midfield creativity and control.
His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
In defence, Leverkusen has secured the services of Jeanuël Belocian, a 19-year-old centre-back from Stade Rennais FC, for €15 million.
Despite his young age, Belocian has shown immense potential with his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure on the ball.
His addition not only provides immediate quality but also future prospects for the club’s backline.
Iker Bravo and Matija Marsenic, both 19 years old, have been promoted from Leverkusen’s U19 team. Bravo, a centre-forward, and Marsenic, a central midfielder, are seen as future stars. Their integration into the first team will provide them with the necessary experience and exposure to top-level football.
Returning from loan spells are Sardar Azmoun and Patrick Pentz. Azmoun, a 29-year-old centre-forward from Iran, comes back from AS Roma. His proven goal-scoring record and physical presence will boost Leverkusen’s attacking options. Patrick Pentz, a 27-year-old Austrian goalkeeper, returns from Bröndby IF, bringing reliability and depth to the goalkeeping department.
Sadik Fofana, a 21-year-old centre-back from Togo, also returns from a loan at Fortuna Sittard. His physicality and defensive skills will add competition and cover to Leverkusen’s defensive unit. These new arrivals and returning players equip Bayer Leverkusen with a well-rounded and robust squad ready to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
Bayer Leverkusen Squad Depth
The goalkeeping department is solid with Matej Kovar and Lukas Hradecky providing reliable options.
In defence, the presence of seasoned players like Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah, alongside promising talents such as Jeanuël Belocian and Sadik Fofana, ensures both experience and future potential.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s acquisition of Jeanuël Belocian from Stade Rennais FC marks a strategic move to ensure long-term stability in their defensive lineup.
At just 19 years old, Belocian has already demonstrated significant promise and could be groomed as a potential replacement for Jonathan Tah, whose experience and leadership have been pivotal for the team.
Belocian’s arrival signals Bayer’s forward-thinking approach, planning for a seamless transition should Tah seek opportunities elsewhere in the summer.
Moreover, rumours of Joel Matip potentially joining Leverkusen hint at another layer of strategic planning.
Matip’s extensive experience in top-tier football, particularly in the Premier League with Liverpool, would provide invaluable depth and mentorship to younger defenders like Belocian.
This potential move could also be indicative of another high-profile transfer involving Piero Hincapié.
According to the xGold data model, Hincapié and Matip share similar profiles, suggesting that Leverkusen is preparing for a scenario where Hincapié might depart, with Matip filling that void seamlessly.
The midfield is particularly robust, featuring the experienced Granit Xhaka and the dynamic Exequiel Palacios.
The recent addition of Aleix García adds creativity and control in the centre, complementing the defensive stability provided by Robert Andrich.
With Florian Wirtz leading the attack from midfield, Bayer Leverkusen has a playmaker capable of unlocking defences and contributing to goals.
The forward line is equally impressive, with a mix of young talents and established stars.
Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick offer a potent goal-scoring threat, while wingers like Martin Terrier and Amine Adli provide width and pace.
The inclusion of Nathan Tella adds further versatility and depth to the attacking options.
Conclusion
Bayer 04 Leverkusen enters the 2024/25 season with a strong and well-rounded squad, ready to compete on multiple fronts: the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
The team boasts significant depth, which is crucial for sustaining performance across these three demanding competitions.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s squad depth appears sufficient to challenge for the Bundesliga title once again.
The blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars, coupled with tactical acumen under coach Xabi Alonso, positions them well to compete effectively in domestic and European competitions.
Maintaining consistency and managing player fitness will be key, but the depth of quality in the squad suggests that Leverkusen is well-equipped for a successful season across all fronts.
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