Bayer Leverkusen Step Up Chase For Equi Fernández With €30m Bid

Bayer Leverkusen have made a fresh €30 million offer for Argentine midfielder Equi Fernández, aiming to secure his transfer from Al Qadsiah as the player pushes for the move.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayer Leverkusen submitted a new €30 million bid for Equi Fernández to Al Qadsiah, with no add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause included. Negotiations are ongoing, and Fernández has made clear he wants to play in Germany. Leverkusen and Fernández have already agreed on personal terms, as confirmed by reports, and the club is optimistic that a deal will be reached soon. Fernández played 32 matches for Al Qadsiah last season, missing only two league games, and contributed with 1 goal and 3 assists in the Saudi Pro League. Talks are advanced, but Al Qadsiah has been reluctant to sell so far as they want a fee higher than what they paid for Fernández.

TEAM FORM AND PLAYER IMPACT

Bayer Leverkusen are building on a strong 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, having finished second behind Bayern Munich and qualifying directly for the Champions League group stage. The team is enhancing their core of young talent, highlighted by the arrivals of Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City and the potential signing of Fernández as their main midfield upgrade. The addition of Fernández would bolster Leverkusen’s midfield depth after Exequiel Palacios was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. For Al Qadsiah, Fernández was a crucial part of their squad, playing regularly and helping the team secure a fourth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN AND FERNÁNDEZ?

The next steps depend on Al Qadsiah’s stance. If the Saudi club accepts the bid, Fernández is expected to join Leverkusen on a long-term contract ahead of their Champions League opener. Leverkusen lost their Bundesliga opener to Hoffenheim, and will be playing Werder Bremen next, who finished mid-table last year, as they aim for the title after ending last season twelve points behind Bayern. If the deal is completed, Fernández may make his debut in this crucial fixture, helping Leverkusen close the gap to their rivals at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Al Qadsiah must find a replacement if their midfield star leaves, particularly as they face Al-Fayha, who finished just two points above them in the Saudi Pro League last season.