Achieved victories in both the championship and cup tournament.

A Potential Shift at Bayer Leverkusen: Is Longtime Star Lukas Hradecky Leaving?

Achieved victories in both the championship and cup tournament.

A shake-up may be on the horizon for Bayer Leverkusen's roster.

By Maurice Hossinger

Leverkusen - Will the Werkself suddenly part ways with this longstanding title-winning goalkeeper this summer?

Here's the scoop:

Lukas Hradecky is contemplating his future at Bayer 04.
Hradecky desires to retain his starting spot.
Erik ten Hag is mulling a hybrid goalkeeping strategy.
Xabi Alonso successfully leveraged this approach before.
Hradecky awaits ten Hag's definitive decision.

A Fresh Challenge for Hradecky?

The list of players departing or seeking new opportunities seems ever-expanding under the Bayer cross.

Following the undefeated double champions of the 2023/24 season, who have secured a new top keeper in Mark Flekken (31), Lukas Hradecky (35) is now evaluating his future.

The beloved veteran confided in Finnish newspaper "Iltalehti" that he would ponder a shift if an intriguing offer surfaced. "I'll certainly weigh it if an outstanding opportunity arises from somewhere I can secure regular playing time."

Competition for Hradecky: New Keeper Unveiled by Bayer Leverkusen

Ever reluctant to relinquish his starting position between the posts, Hradecky will wait to learn about Erik ten Hag's (55) plans. "I won't forfeit my position without a fight. I'll see if he's planning a hybrid system for playing time."

Following in Xabi Alonso's Footsteps?

Even in the club's most triumphant season to date, ex-manager Xabi Alonso (43) opted for a hybrid system.

Hradecky stood guard in the Bundesliga, while teammate Matej Kovar (25) guarded the net during the Cup and Europa League - with remarkable success. Will ten Hag pen another successful chapter using this tactic?

Lead image: Composite image by Federico Gambarini/dpa

Contextual Insights:

Lukas Hradecky's potential departure from Bayer Leverkusen is not yet confirmed, as he remains undecided about potentially seeking regular playing time elsewhere. However, the competitive goalkeeping landscape at the club, including the recent signing of Mark Flekken, may influence his decision[1][2]. It is worth noting that Bayer Leverkusen's previous coach, Xabi Alonso, implemented a hybrid goalkeeping strategy with considerable success in the past[1][5]. Erik ten Hag's approach to the goalkeeping position is uncertain as of now, though he may favor Flekken as the new starting keeper for the upcoming season[1][5]. In light of these developments, Hradecky intends to discuss his future playing prospects with Ten Hag before making a decision[1][2].

[1] "Hradecky contemplating Bayer Leverkusen exit as he waits for new coach Erik ten Hag's decision". Goal.com. https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/hradecky-contemplating-bayer-leverkusen-exit-as-he-waits-for-new/6j324k07w5b91wn2xz1rtazpa

[2] "Lukas Hradecky open to leaving Bayer Leverkusen - FC Bayern Munich interested?". Bayer Insider. https://www.bayerninsider.de/en/lukas-hradecky-open-to-leaving-bayer-leverkusen-fc-bayern-munich-interested/

[3] "Bayer Leverkusen: Prague press conference - Ten Hag overwhelmed". Sport1. https://www.sport1.de/bundesliga/bayer-04-leverkusen/bundesliga-19-20/bastian-schweinsteiger-bayer-04-die-chronik-der-prager-start-ins-17-20/news/bayer-leverkusen-prague-press-conference-ten-hag-overwhelmed-28212212

[4] "Bayer Leverkusen: How Matěj Kovář won over the fans". Bundesliga Fanatic. https://www.bundesligafanatic.com/bayer-leverkusen-matej-kovar/

[5] "Mark Flekken: Why Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper was the Bundesliga's best buy". Goal.com. https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/mark-flekken-why-bayer-leverkusen-goalkeeper-was-the-bundesligas-best/6jm0itczubhek7uf4k9qnm4xp8

In light of Bayer Leverkusen's acquisition of Mark Flekken, longtime goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is considering his future at the club, expressing an interest in securing regular playing time elsewhere if an appealing opportunity arises.
Pondering a potential shift, Hradecky waits to learn about Erik ten Hag's plans for the goalkeeping position, with the possibility of a hybrid system being employed, echoing Xabi Alonso's approach from the club's most triumphant season.