Bayer Leverkusen block Barcelona target’s summer exit: ‘We’re counting on him for next season’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for young attacking talent has led them across Europe once again, but one potential move already looks to have hit a firm wall. 

The name in question is Christian Kofane, a rising star who has become one of the most talked-about youngsters in Germany.

At just 19, Kofane has wasted no time making his mark at Bayer Leverkusen. 

Strong, direct, and fearless in the final third, his playing style has even drawn early comparisons to Samuel Eto’o, which is not a comparison that gets thrown around lightly.

And it is not just hype. Since arriving in the Bundesliga, his numbers back it up. 

Seven goals and eight assists in his opening months have turned him into one of the breakout performers of the season. 

Naturally, that kind of impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by clubs like Barcelona, who have been tracking emerging talent capable of fitting into a long-term project.

Strong interest in the player

Interest in Kofane is far from limited. 

In fact, his agent recently opened up about the growing attention surrounding the forward, making it clear just how crowded the race has become.

He revealed the level of Premier League competition for the player.

Christian Kofane will not leave Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“Arsenal’s interest is real. The coach really likes him, but there are other clubs. 

“I think it’s still too early to talk about his future, but since the player speaks Spanish, like Mikel Arteta, and since William Saliba is from Cameroon, I’d say Arsenal is in the best position right now. 

“In addition to Arsenal, other clubs like Newcastle, Everton, Brentford, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona have also contacted me,” he explained.

Summer exit ruled out

However, just as speculation began to build, Leverkusen have stepped in to cool things down.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes made the club’s position clear in a recent interview, shutting the door on any immediate exit. Addressing the rumours, he stated,

“We’re counting on him for next season. We don’t sign players just to sell them immediately. He gave us his word and never wavered. He’s extraordinary,” he said, as per SPORT.

That statement leaves very little room for interpretation, as the German club is determined not to repeat past scenarios where young talents explode onto the scene only to be sold too early. 

With Kofane, the plan is different. With his market value already having surged to €40 million, that figure will only rise and so will the competition.