Bayer Leverkusen Faces Key Decisions Ahead Of Upcoming Season

Bayer Leverkusen is already strategizing for the upcoming season, with significant decisions looming around key players and management. Most noticeably, head coach Xabi Alonso is expected to announce his future plans by the end of March 2025, a move that could have profound implications for the club's roster, particularly for star midfielder Florian Wirtz.

According to reports from Sport BILD, Wirtz is likely to remain a member of Bayer Leverkusen until after the 2026 World Cup, despite ongoing speculation about his future. The young German international has garnered interest from several clubs, but the confirmation of Alonso's status will play a pivotal role in shaping Wirtz's decision to continue with the team.

Meanwhile, the club is bracing itself for some changes in personnel. Jonathan Tah has confirmed his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, adding to the list of transitions expected during the summer transfer window. Notably, the club will not be pursuing permanent contracts for players like Nordi Mukiele, Mario Hermoso, and Emiliano Buendia, who have been part of the squad this season but do not fit into the club's future plans.

As the summer approaches, Victor Boniface, who has struggled to find his place within the squad, is at the top of the list of players likely to be sold. His inconsistent performances this season have led the management to reconsider his role within the team. Additionally, Jeremie Frimpong's situation appears precarious, with expectations mounting that he will also depart from the club during the upcoming transfer window.

In an interesting twist, the club’s management is taking a proactive approach with players like Jonas Hofmann. The leadership has indicated that Hofmann won't be held against his will should he seek more playing time, demonstrating a degree of understanding for the player's situation.

Furthermore, other players are also in a precarious position. Arthur, a full-back reportedly experiencing a stagnation in his development, might be on the move should he not improve. Meanwhile, Aleix Garcia’s integration into the team has not gone as smoothly as anticipated, and he too is free to seek a transfer if he desires.

In terms of prospective signings, Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly targeting Jonathan Burkardt, a talented 24-year-old striker from Mainz, who has been in impressive form this season, finding the net 15 times in 22 Bundesliga matches. Burkardt’s potential acquisition is partly influenced by Boniface's expected exit and could provide a much-needed boost to their attacking lineup.

Additionally, Leverkusen is casting its gaze towards other forward options, including Olympique Lyon's Rayan Cherki and Hertha BSC's Ibrahim Maza. With teams like Eintracht Frankfurt also eyeing Burkardt, the competition for his signature could make acquiring him a challenge, but the club remains optimistic about fortifying their attack ahead of the next season.

As Bayer Leverkusen continues to navigate the complexities of player movements, both in and out, the decisions made in the coming weeks are set to shape the direction of the team's future. Fan expectations remain high as the management aims to balance maintaining key talents like Wirtz while refreshing the squad with new signings that could elevate their competitive stance in the Bundesliga and beyond.