Bayer Leverkusen Gets a New Shot-Stopper: Mark Flekken Joins the Ranks
Bayer Leverkusen Announces New Goalkeeper Contender for Hradecky's Position
Bayer Leverkusen strengthens its team by adding Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken to the roster.
By Alina Eultgem
Leverkusen - Bayer Leverkusen strengthens its team: Starting goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky (35) and Mark Flekken (31) will be the goalkeepers for the club.
The Scoop
- Bayer Leverkusen welcomes Mark Flekken as new goalkeeper
- Flekken signs a contract that lasts until 2028
- An experienced player with stints in the Premier League and Bundesliga
- 80 games for SC Freiburg under his belt
- Flekken will defend Bayer's net from the 2025/2026 season
In Essence
- The Lowdown: The Netherlands' national goalkeeper joins the Werkself, signing a contract until 2028.
- With him, Leverkusen gains an experienced player who's played in the Premier League and Bundesliga, with 80 appearances for SC Freiburg.
- Last seen at FC Brentford, the 31-year-old goalie is now a part of the Werkself.
- "Done Deal: Bayer Leverkusen lands strategic defender, loans him immediately" “Flekken possesses an awe-inspiring physical presence," comments Bayer 04's sporting director, Simon Rolfes. "In the past two years, he's been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.""For the future, we've got a robust lineup for goalkeepers," he adds.
- Flekken has been part of the national team since 2022, playing in the EURO squad for Oranje in 2024.
- The Ambition: Flekken is eager to join the German top club and help it reach its national and European objectives. Starting from the 2025/2026 season, he'll defend Bayer Leverkusen's goal, bringing his qualities to the team.
Featured image: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
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- Buy Now? Florian Wirtz to FC Liverpool for €140 million?
- Announcement: A defensive star leaves Bayer Leverkusen - the decision was a no-brainer
Insight: The acquisition of Mark Flekken is likely to intensify the competition for the starting goalkeeper position occupied by Lukas Hradecky[1][2][4]. The experienced goalkeeper, who has joined until 2028, brings valuable skills and experience from the Premier League and Bundesliga, having played 80 games for SC Freiburg[1][2][4]. Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, considers Flekken's physical prowess and recent success in the Premier League as valuable assets for the team[5]. The signing of Flekken isn't merely a backup move, but rather an attempt to challenge Hradecky for the starting position[4], beefing up the goalkeeping department[4][5]. Although Niklas Lomb remains as a third option, Flekken is clearly positioned as the main contender, seeking to capture the starting spot[4].
[1] Bundesliga: http://www.bundesliga.com[2] Premier League: https://www.premierleague.com[3] Euro 2024: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2024[4] Transfer Portal: https://www.transfermarkt.com[5] Bayer Leverkusen Official Website: https://fcbayernleverkusen.com
Bayer Leverkusen, having already a goalkeeper in Lukas Hradecky, adds Mark Flekken to further fortify their goalkeeping department.
The Dutch goalkeeper, who has experience in both the Premier League and Bundesliga, will be joining flekken from the 2025/2026 season, with the aspiration of assisting Leverkusen in achieving both national and European objectives.
