Overview

• Lukas Hradecky joined AS Monaco on a two-year contract after Bayer granted him an early release to pursue Champions League playing time.
• Mark Flekken has assumed the starting goalkeeper role and Janis Blaswich arrived in Leverkusen on Saturday to undergo a medical as Hradecky’s replacement.
• Erik ten Hag’s squad fell 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their final friendly, highlighting areas requiring reinforcement.
• Sport director Simon Rolfes said the club supported Hradecky’s departure to fulfil his ambition of being a number one in Europe’s premier competition.
• This week’s moves cap a summer overhaul following the exit of several double-winning stalwarts and contrast with rival heavy spending in the transfer market.