Bayer Leverkusen planning a big summer shakeup of their squad | OneFootball

Sport Bild reports that despite any potential success this season, Bayer Leverkusen is planning a big shake-up of its squad in the summer.

The basis of the plan is that Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz will both stay with decisions on their futures expected soon. Then heading into next season, Wirtz and Granit Xhaka will be the leaders of the team.

Apart from Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave on a free transfer in the summer, nine players could leave the BayArena. All three loan players will return to their parent clubs, Nordi Mukiele had a period of performing well but has become error-prone in recent weeks, Mario Hermoso is out injured for the rest of the season and Emiliano Buendia has not been good enough.

When it comes to big sales, Victor Boniface is likely to leave and Leverkusen could receive at least €50m for the striker.  Jeremie Frimpong has attracted interest from Liverpool and can also leave for a set fee of €40m.

Another candidate to leave is Jonas Hofmann, who is encouraged to leave if he wants game time. While Arthur has stagnated in his development due to injuries and has potential suitors and Aleix Garcia has struggled to adapt since moving from Girona in the summer.

Goalkeeper, Matej Kovar could also leave as he is not expected to be promoted to Leverkusen’s number one and does not want to continue as a backup. Lukas Hradecky could be demoted to number two and Leverkusen sign a replacement with Espanyol’s Joan García and Karlsruher SC’s Max Weiß both candidates.

For incomings, Leverkusen have Jonathan Burkardt on their list as an option for the striker position, but if Mainz qualifies for the Champions League, this could be a difficult move to pull off. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is also still of interest. Ibrahim Maza is held in high regard by Leverkusen and could potentially move in the summer and develop alongside Wirtz before succeeding him afterwards.

GGFN | Jack Meenan