Both players in demand
Bayer Leverkusen have rounded up a strong season with a 2-1 win over SC Freiburg. Die Werkself have finished third and will return to the Champions League for the first time after two seasons. “I have always said that we have to return to the Champions League with the quality and potential that we have,” sporting director Simon Rolfes said to Transfermarkt after the Freiburg game. “It is important for us to grow the squad and keep the team together.” A team that is supposed to include stars Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby.
Player Comparison
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
£49.50m
Market Value
£36.00m
Left Winger
Position
Centre-Forward
Jun 30, 2025
Contract until
Jun 30, 2025
Full Player Comparison
“When it comes to Schick, I have said everything,” Rolfes said with a smile. “We are happy that our players are in demand. It means that they are playing well and that we are doing our job well.” The club, in general, seems relaxed when it comes to the Czech striker, who has scored 24 goals in 31 games across all competitions and has developed well in the shadow of Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski. The latter could now influence the 26-year-old’s future as Bayern Munich have Schick on the list as one potential candidate to replace Lewandowski—the 33-year-old Polish striker wants to leave the Rekordmeister.
“I can’t influence it,” Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane said when asked whether he was worried about Schick heading to Bayern. “Our goal is to keep our best players, and we think the Champions League is a good argument. I am pleased that they are in demand because it means that a lot of people have done a good job and that it paid off to have the courage to sign young players.” Added Rolfes: “I have said everything I needed to say about Patrik.” Leverkusen are steadfast; Schick will stay with the club.
Schick and Diaby in the top 10 – The Bundesliga Top Scorers
Newcastle United want Diaby – “He has a long-term contract”
Rolfes paused when asked about Diaby’s future. The winger has been heavily linked with a move away with Newcastle United among the clubs interested. “He has a long-term contract,” Rolfes said. “He, too, I am optimistic he will stay. Diaby has played a top season and provided several assists. We want to improve the team; that is our goal.” Diaby’s season was indeed spectacular. The winger has scored 13 goals and 12 assists this season. The 22-year-old French national team player ranked seven with 25 scorer points (overview).
No surprise then that Newcastle United want the winger, and Rolfes was less definite about the winger’s future than it was the case with Schick. But Leverkusen are in a good negotiation position, and only a silly offer would convince them to sell their star winger.
Purchase & Sale: The biggest transfer profits in Bundesliga history
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