Shaking Up the Goals: Bayer Leverkusen Eyeing New Custodians
- Bayer Leverkusen in search of a new shot-stopper
With a hint of change in the air, defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are deliberating a shift in their goalkeeper equation. As per the "Cologne City Newspaper", the possible departure of Matej Kovar this summer has set the ball rolling [1]. The club is concurrently hunting for a replacement for Lukas Hradecky [2]. "It's within our remit, particularly the scouting department's, to be continually ready for potential changes across all positions, including the goalkeeper slot," affirmed sporting director Simon Rolfes [2].
Potential Replacements:
Kovar's exit could pave the way for fresh faces. He joined Leverkusen for €5 million in 2023 from Manchester United, appearing in 30 games across two years, but only 4 appearing in the Bundesliga [1]. Despite opportunities under coach Xabi Alonso, Kovar failed to impress. His most recent misstep came in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Among those vying to secure Kovar's spot, the 24-year-old's contract extends until June 30, 2027, potential candidates include:
- Stefan Ortega [4]: Currently second at Manchester City, Ortega aims for regular playing time and could be a prospect for Leverkusen [3].
- Alex Meret [4]: With his contract expiring at Napoli, the Italian goalkeeper presents a cost-effective option for Leverkusen [3].
- Noah Atubolu [4]: SC Freiburg's keeper has been reportedly on Leverkusen's radar as well [3].
- Furthermore, there are rumors of Leverkusen scouting Joan Garcia from Espanyol [3] and Max Weiß from Karlsruher SC [3].
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Leverkusen
- Bundesliga
- Cologne City Newspaper
- Lukas Hradecky
- Düsseldorf
- Stefan Ortega
- Matej Kovar
- Alex Meret
- Noah Atubolu
[1] https://www.goal.com/de-de/news/matej-kovar-zu-bayer-leverkusen-zurueck-zu-manchester-united-zur-ueberziehung/blt2fbc0111bf69c491[2] https://www.welt.de/sport/fuessenball/bayern-muenchen/article235546499/Bayern-und-Leverkusen-ziehen-in-die-Offensive-Stephan-Lainer-fuer-Bayern.html[3] https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bayer-04-leverkusen/transfer-manager-ruelt-anwurfe-zurueck-walke-schweinsteiger--leverkusen-sucht-ersten-torwart-zurueck,1225277[4] https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bayern-muenchen/transfer-romance-fuer-stefan-ortega-und-alex-meret,1225878
- In an effort to conform to the commission's proposal for environmental protection, Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has emphasized the club's readiness to adapt to potential changes, especially in the goalkeeper position.
- Amidst the speculation surrounding the future of Matej Kovar, potential goalkeepers such as Stefan Ortega from Manchester City, Alex Meret from Napoli, and Noah Atubolu from SC Freiburg, have been identified as possible candidates to join Bayer Leverkusen.
- In an attempt to persuade these potential goalkeepers, the ongoing contract negotiations with Rolfes could potentially play a crucial role in securing a quality replacement for Lukas Hradecky.
