Report: Kovar set to be Leverkusen's first choice shot-stopper next season | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have decided that they will not go into the 2025-26 season with Matej Kovar as backup goalkeeper, BILD reports.

The Czechia international has an ultimatum – Xabi Alonso declares him as the new number one or Kovar leaves in summer.

It was a difficult start to the campaign for the 24-year-old who has found his form since.

As things stand, every indication points towards Kovar remaining at the BayArena.

Despite the positive development, the reigning Bundesliga champions are still keeping tabs on the goalkeeper market until Xabi Alonso decides.

Current first-choice Lukas Hradecky, who joined Die Werkself in 2018 from Eintracht Frankfurt, is now 35 years old.

Meanwhile, Kovar who was picked up from Manchester Unted, is yet to enjoy a sustained period of games between the posts.