According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen investigates high-profile attacking reinforcements in preparation for the possible departure of star midfielder Florian Wirtz, with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rayan Cherki among the top candidates.
Although the proposed transfer from Wirtz to Liverpool still has to be completed, Leverkusen is already deleting for his exit, as well as the departure of other important players such as Jonathan Tah (to Bayern Munich) and Jeremie Frimpong (reportedly also to Liverpool). Leverkusen must act ambitiously on the transfer market to compensate for these large losses.
Possible replacements
• Rayan Cherki (Lyon): Leverkusen showed interest in the talented left French attacker during the winter transfer window, especially in the midst of Lyon's financial struggles. Manchester City now regards Cherki as a top goal. If the city takes a serious step, it is unlikely that Leverkusen competes.
• Antony (Manchester United): Antony is currently on loan at Real Betis, is known to the new Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag, who brought him from Ajax to Manchester United. Although his transfer of € 90 million to United Underwhelming was, he revived his form at Betis. Leverkusen evaluate whether they can bring it in.
• Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United): The Argentinian winger is reportedly encouraged to leave by the current United Manager Rúben Amorim. Garnacho, only 18 when he made 19 Premier League performances under ten Hag, is seen as a perfect fit because of his talent and relatively modest wage requirements. However, AC Milan and Napoli have also shown interest.
Transfer costs
There are conversations between Liverpool and Leverkusen for Wirtz going. Allegedly, Liverpool started an offer of € 100 million + bonuses, while Leverkusen can demand a fixed reimbursement between € 130 million and € 150 million. CEO Fernando Carro previously quoted a price tag of € 150 million but withdrew it later – not due to surplus value, but possibly for strategic reasons.
Despite the gap of more than € 50 million, the deal will probably be completed, making Wirtz's transfer the most expensive in the history of Leverkusen and their financial landscape changes considerably.
Conclusion
Leverkusen is preparing to work at a new level in the transfer market – players who would rather be considered unrealistic. The replacement of Wirtz will probably require the signing of two attacking players of the top level, including a central playmaker and a high -quality winger.
To give Ten Hag a real chance to maintain the recent success of the club, the club is willing to invest considerably – more than € 30 million per player – but in a measured, strategic way instead of making reckless movements.