Bayer Leverkusen Set for Major Squad Shake-Up With Arrivals of Badé and Echeverri

Bayer Leverkusen are close to signing Loïc Badé from Sevilla and Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City. Meanwhile, Amine Adli is set to leave for Bournemouth in a busy transfer window for the Bundesliga club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen have agreed to sign central defender Loïc Badé from Sevilla for around €29 million. The French player is in Germany for his medical and will sign a five-year deal until 2030. As per a recent report, Bayer Leverkusen aim to finalize the Badé deal this week. Meanwhile, Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri is set for a medical ahead of a loan move from Manchester City. Notably, there is no option for Bayer Leverkusen to buy Claudio Echeverri in the loan deal. In the opposite direction, attacking midfielder Amine Adli will join Premier League side Bournemouth as Leverkusen reshuffle their squad for the new season.

SQUAD CHANGES AND SEASON CONTEXT

Leverkusen’s transfer activity follows a strong 2024-25 campaign, where they finished second in the Bundesliga, thirteen points behind champions Bayern Munich. The team impressed under new manager Erik ten Hag and secured Champions League qualification. However, with key defender Jonathan Tah departing for Bayern Munich and Edmond Tapsoba drawing interest from abroad, Badé’s arrival is crucial to rebuilding the backline, as Leverkusen see him as an important addition to strengthen their center-back options. Badé was a standout performer for Sevilla last season, playing 36 La Liga matches and earning his first caps for France. Echeverri, just 19, is considered one of South America’s top prospects and brings flair and creativity to the midfield.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Leverkusen’s squad is being rebuilt to stay competitive in Germany and Europe. Their first competitive match is against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, with both teams aiming for a strong start. Leverkusen aim to get a win to stay within reach of main title contenders Bayern Munich, and Hoffenheim will want to improve on last season’s performance, where they battled against relegation and ended up in 16th place. The arrival of Badé and Echeverri comes as the club look to close the gap on Bayern and make a deeper run in the Champions League. Adli’s departure to Bournemouth gives him a chance for regular Premier League minutes after a solid six-goal season in Germany last year. The team intends to capitalize on their strong performance from last season, aiming to improve upon their runner-up finish behind Bayern Munich.