Bayer Leverkusen Closing In on Loïc Badé: Advanced Talks with Sevilla

Bayer Leverkusen are making good progress in signing Loïc Badé from Sevilla. The French centre-back is the top target for new head coach Erik ten Hag for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

ADVANCED TALKS

Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced negotiations with Spanish side Sevilla for the transfer of 25-year-old Loïc Badé, who is keen for a move to the Bundesliga outfit. The French international is Bayer’s defensive priority after losing several key defenders this summer, including former captain Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong. Now, multiple reports indicate that the German club have entered crucial phases of negotiations with Sevilla, as they look to complete a deal as soon as possible. The French starlet has been reportedly promised a clear path to establish himself in the first team.

WHY BADÉ MATTERS FOR LEVERKUSEN

Bringing in Badé is important for Leverkusen. They want to rebuild their defense under Coach Erik ten Hag after a busy transfer window. Badé played 33 matches for Sevilla last season and recently earned a spot in the French national team’s Nations League squad. His style of play—calm on the ball, strong in aerial duels, and a good passer from the back—suits Ten Hag’s tactical plans. Last Bundesliga season, Leverkusen finished second, just behind champion Bayern Munich, and their strong defense was a big reason they challenged at the top. The club is also set for a Champions League return, making defensive reinforcements even more important, as they aim to qualify for the Champions League next season following their strong showing last season.

LOOKING AHEAD: UPCOMING FIXTURES AND IMPLICATIONS

If the transfer is completed soon, Badé could join Leverkusen in time for their Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim, who finished fifteenth last season. With Leverkusen aiming to push for the title again and compete in the Champions League group stage, the arrival of an experienced defender like Badé will help fill important gaps in the squad. Sevilla, who finished 17th in La Liga last season, would lose a key defensive figure but reportedly have their eyes on replacements. The next weeks will be crucial as both teams look to polish their squads before a challenging 2025/26 campaign begins.