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Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement to sign Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin. The fee is around €10 million. The 19-year-old Algerian international will officially sign his contract soon. He will be a key addition to last season’s Bundesliga champions squad for next season.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Leverkusen agreed on terms with Hertha Berlin for Ibrahim Maza’s transfer. Many clubs, including VfB Stuttgart, were interested in the youngster. However, Leverkusen were the favorites. Maza had a great season in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga with 7 goals and 5 assists in 32 appearances. Club officials see him as a potential successor to Florian Wirtz, who might leave the club soon.
BIGGER PICTURE: MAZA’S RISE AND LEVERKUSEN’S AMBITIONS
Maza’s signing shows Leverkusen are serious about building a strong squad after winning the league. They are likely to qualify for the Champions League, although they are far from winning the Bundesliga title and are preparing for a return to the Champions League soon. With 12 goals in 32 matches, Maza was a standout in the second division. Leverkusen want him as insurance in case Wirtz leaves, but also as part of their strategy to invest in young talent. Hertha Berlin, on the other hand, will lose one of their top performers as they finish mid-table in the 2. Bundesliga and miss out on promotion.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Once the deal is done, Maza will join Leverkusen’s preseason preparations. He will compete for a place in their midfield alongside established stars. Leverkusen’s next game is against FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. The club hopes to integrate Maza quickly and help him develop at the highest level. For Hertha, their focus will be on rebuilding without their star midfielder as they aim for promotion next season.
