Bayer Leverkusen finalize terms of Ernest Poku transfer, enter into negotiations for Loïc Badé | OneFootball

Kicker and all other major German footballing media sources report that Bayer Leverkusen have wrapped up negotiations for the transfer of AZ Alkmaar winger Ernest Poku. The 21-year-old is due in Leverkusen for a medical ahead of a €10m move to the Bundesliga. All German sources claim that Poku will sign a four-year-contract with Germany’s red company team.

In other Leverkusen-related personnel news, Sport Bild reports that Leverkusen stepped up their efforts to acquire Sevilla centre-back Loïc Badé. Negotiations are underway with a transfer fee in the €20m to €25m range being discussed. The German tabloid does note that the Bundesliga club faces stiff competition from AFC Bournemouth, who are prepared to pay €30m for the French international.

Leverkusen continue to scramble to increase their undermanned squad ahead of the forthcoming Bundesliga campaign. The recent confirmation of longtime keeper and captain Lukas Hradecky’s move to AS Monaco now leaves head coach Erik ten Hag with only 23 professionals with which to work.

Hradecky’s loss is at the very least expected to be rectified shortly by the signing of German keeper Janis Blaswich away from RB Leipzig. Blaswich will serve as the back-up to new club No. 1 Mark Flekken.

GGFN | Peter Weis