Bayer Leverkusen is making headlines in the transfer market as they pursue several key players, including Rayo Vallecano’s right-back Andrei Ratiu and Feyenoord’s David Hancko. The German club’s ambitions signal a proactive approach in strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Barcelona's efforts to secure Andrei Ratiu have hit a significant roadblock as Bayer Leverkusen has entered the race to sign the 26-year-old Romanian right-back. Ratiu, currently under contract with Rayo Vallecano until 2028, has long been admired by Barcelona’s sporting director Deco for his potential and value for money. With a €25 million release clause in his contract, Barcelona had hoped to bring him in at a more affordable price. However, reports suggest that Rayo Vallecano is willing to negotiate and could accept a transfer fee between €12 and €15 million, making the deal more attractive to suitors.
New competition from Bayer Leverkusen adds a layer of complexity to Barcelona's plans. Previously, Villarreal had been considered the primary competitor for Ratiu, but now Bayer Leverkusen is also in the mix. The German club is reportedly seeking a replacement for Jeremie Frimpong, the highly sought-after right-back who has been a key figure under manager Hansi Flick.
Despite the heightened competition, Barcelona is not yet in negotiations for Ratiu, as Deco is still assessing the club’s Fair Play terms ahead of the summer transfer window. The club’s financial situation will play a critical role in any potential deal, and Barcelona is expected to wait until it has a clearer picture of its financial flexibility before making any move. However, the interest in Ratiu is real, and the player is aware of the possibility of joining the Blaugrana. Reports indicate that Ratiu is excited about the prospect of joining Barcelona, viewing it as a dream opportunity to play for one of Europe’s elite footballing institutions.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen is also in the market for a new central defender, which could impact AC Milan and Juventus. David Hancko, a top-level Eredivisie player with Feyenoord, has been on the radar of several clubs. At 27 years old, Hancko is considered ready for a leap to a top European club. Until recently, it was believed that Hancko would join Juventus in June, as the Old Lady had shown interest for some time. Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus's sporting director, sees Hancko as an ideal reinforcement for the future. However, the dismissal of Thiago Motta has complicated matters, stalling agreements with both the player’s agents and Feyenoord.
Hancko knows that the next few months will be his last in Rotterdam, with requests coming from the Premier League and Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen has already made initial contact, seeking a physically strong and high-level central defender to fit into Xabi Alonso's plans. Interestingly, Hancko and AC Milan's Malick Thiaw are both on Alonso's list, and they share a similar valuation of €25 million.
In addition to pursuing Ratiu and Hancko, Bayer Leverkusen is assessing replacements for Piero Hincapie, who is attracting interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid. Hincapie, a versatile 23-year-old defender, joined Leverkusen from Argentinian club Talleres in 2021 and has been a mainstay in the team since his arrival. He made over 30 appearances in each of his four seasons with Leverkusen, including 43 outings last term as the club achieved a domestic double.
Hincapie's performances have drawn attention from top clubs across Europe, and it’s no surprise that both Liverpool and Real Madrid are showing interest. Leverkusen is reportedly considering Lugano's Albian Hajdari as a potential replacement should Hincapie leave this summer. Liverpool's interest in Hincapie is not new; he was previously seen as a prime candidate for their left-back position during earlier transfer windows. However, with Liverpool's current tactical setup differing from previous strategies, it remains uncertain how strong their interest is now.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is in greater need of central defensive cover amid another injury-strewn campaign. Hincapie’s ability to provide depth in multiple positions makes him an attractive option. Additionally, speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso potentially taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid could further fuel transfer links with Hincapie.
As the transfer window approaches, Bayer Leverkusen’s activities are certainly one to watch. With interest in multiple players, including Ratiu, Hancko, and Hincapie, the German club is positioning itself to make significant moves that could reshape their squad and impact competitors across Europe. This proactive approach reflects their ambition to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
With the summer transfer window just around the corner, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how these situations develop. Will Barcelona manage to secure Ratiu despite the competition? Can Bayer Leverkusen finalize deals for Hancko and Hincapie? As the clock ticks down, one thing is certain: the transfer market is heating up, and surprises are likely in store.
