Overview

• Florian Wirtz, Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah have departed, with Jeremie Frimpong also gone and Granit Xhaka linked to AC Milan.
• Wirtz’s record-breaking transfer to Liverpool could fetch up to €150 million, delivering a major financial boost but leaving a sporting void.
• Sporting director Simon Rolfes has leaned on Leverkusen’s history of successful turnarounds to reassure fans that the club remains on stable footing.
• Erik ten Hag has been appointed head coach with an explicit aim of restoring competitiveness and securing Champions League qualification.
• The squad has been reinforced with defender Jarell Quansah, prospect Axel Tape, teenage playmaker Ibrahim Maza and new goalkeeper Mark Flekken.