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Bayer Leverkusen enter their new era under Erik ten Hag when they host Hoffenheim at the BayArena on Saturday afternoon. The Dutchman has to contend with the departures of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah and Lukas Hradecky, but they’ve made no fewer than seven signings that are all capable of contributing to the first team from the first matchday.
Hradecky’s departure means that Mark Flekken will start in goal, while Leverkusen have strengthened defensively with the signings of Jarell Quansah (€35m) and Loïc Badé (€25m). Playmaker Ibrahim Maza (€12m) could also be in line for a start but Malik Tillman €35m – Bayer’s record signing – is a doubt with a calf injury. Christian Kofane (€5.25m) is also expected to make the squad. With just over one week remaining of the transfer window, Simon Rolfes and Co. don’t appear to be done just yet.
Victor Boniface is questionable for Saturday’s game against Hoffenheim given that the Nigerian forward is nearing a loan move to Italian club Milan. Exequiel Palacios and Jonas Hofmann are also doubts.
Like Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim have also been active in the transfer window. Tim Lemperle, Bernardo and Vladimir Coufal join on free transfers following the expiry of their contracts at FC Koln, Bochum and West Ham. They’ve also added depth defensively with the signings of Wouter Burger, Koki Machida and Leon Avdullahu.
Fisnik Asllani returns to Sinsheim following a successful loan spell at 2. Bundesliga side Elversberg last season where he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 33 league games. Christian Ilzer’s side will be hoping for a massive improvement after finishing just one place above the relegation playoff.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim: Ones to Watch
Bayer Leverkusen – Ibrahim Maza (19): A €12m signing from Hertha Berlin, Maza arrives at the club as part of a two-man replacement for Florian Wirtz. The German-Algerian is excellent on the ball and his defensive contributions for an attacking player are commendable. Maza registered 10 goal contributions (5 goals, 5 assists) in 33 Bundesliga 2 games last season and if he can strike up an understanding with Patrik Schick, could be one to watch against Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim – Wouter Burger (24): Only relegated Bochum conceded more goals than Hoffenheim last season. In pre-season, it was imperative that they strengthened defensively in the transfer market. In the form of Burger, they have themselves a player that is vastly experienced and will provide cover from a midfield position, while possessing the ability to progress the ball.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
