3 Bayer Leverkusen stars who could leave the club this summer
Bayer Leverkusen's fairytale season under Xabi Alonso continues after another late comeback against AS Roma in the Europa League semi-final and a 5-0 drubbing of VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga. Under the Spaniard, the German team has now created history by being 50 games unbeaten and just two finals away from clinching a treble.
Xabi Alonso's management has been instrumental in Bayer's success this season. Some of his players have played a pivotal role in the grand success of this team. Although Alonso has himself rejected interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich to continue coaching Leverkusen next season (as per the Bundesliga's official website), he could be preparing for exits of some of his star players this summer.
Below, we look at three Bayer Leverkusen stars that are being closely monitored by other clubs and who could potentially leave Die Schwarzroten.
#3 Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has shone this season under Xabi Alonso. The German turned 21 this year, but his stats this season are nothing short of a player in his prime. Wirtz has scored 18 goals and assisted 20 more in 46 games across competitions for Bayer Leverkusen. The attacking midfielder averages 2.76 key passes per 90, and has won seven 'Man of the Match' awards in all competitions.
Wirtz's demand is going to be high this summer among European giants. As per Bavarian Football Works, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the clubs interested in signing the prodigious German.
#2 Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has had a breakthrough season under Xabi Alonso. He has been ever-present for the Bayer Leverkusen side, racking up 3,109 minutes in his 44 appearances across all competitions. Frimpong has also given an attacking output of 14 goals and 12 assists for the German side and his defensive work has also been phenomenal for his team. He has made 91 recoveries, won 121 duels and close to 66% of his tackles.
He has been a key player in Alonso's setup at Leverkusen. Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City are believed to be vying for his signature as per the Manchester Evening News.
#1 Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface is Bayer Leverkusen's top scorer with 20 goals across all competitions and has also given 10 assists. Boniface is a real threat on counterattacks and possesses decent dribbling skills, evidenced by his 53.5% success in this attribute this season. His game is also well adapted to hold the ball and let his team members join in. He rarely gets dispossessed in a game, losing only 1.81 possessions per 90 this season.
Boniface will be getting lots of suitors this summer. Alonso has a task on his hands to keep the Nigerian with Leverkusen next season. Chelsea were rumoured to be interested in bringing the Nigerian to Stamford Bridge as per an ESPN report from February.