Having just missed out on a Champions League spot in 2017/18, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have made some well-targeted signings this summer. They have not gone on a shopping spree, but have mixed some solid buys with a gamble on future talent from a well-established source. Here we take a look at three of Die Werkself's new faces.
Paulinho (Vasco de Gama, €18.5m)
Over the years, the Rhineland outfit has become an excellent development and training ground for talented young Brazilian wingers. Think Zé Roberto and Paulo Sérgio, both of whom would go on to play for FC Bayern München. Quality players both.
In the same tradition, Leverkusen have shelled out 18.5 million Euro for 18 year old left-sided winger Paulinho (not to be confused with the older Paulinho who was in Brazil's World Cup squad).
While 18.5 million Euro sounds like a lot of money for a player still in his teens, Bayer's scouts in Brazil have often made the right call. A product of Vasco de Gama's academy, Paulinho has only one year of professional football under his belt. He has played just 15 games, scoring three goals.
Mitchell Weiser (Hertha BSC, €12m)
If Paulinho is an expensive gamble, young but experienced Mitchell Weiser is a more conservative addition. Initially touted as a future German international after working his way through the German youth setup and signing for Bayern München, the 24 year old has turned into something of a Bundesliga journeyman.
Playing for the Nationalmannschaft may now be a pipe dream, but the versatile Weiser is a more than solid Bundesliga player. Capable of playing at right-back and further up the pitch, he is a committed tackler who has a keen eye for goal. For those who watch youth football, they will remember Weiser's winning goal in the 2017 Euro Under-21 final against Spain.
Heiko Herrlich's side were pretty soft at the back last season, and Weiser could be just the man to add that extra bit of steel.
Lukáš Hrádecký (Eintract Frankfurt, free)
With German international Bernd Leno moving to England to join Arsenal, the challenge was on for coach Herrlich to find a replacement goalkeeper. Enter DFB-Pokal winner Lukáš Hrádecký, born in Bratislava but now an established Finland international with 44 caps.
While Leno is an excellent 'keeper, he was more than prone to making mistakes. The 28 year old Hrádecký is not as spectacular or as talented as his predecessor, but is arguably a more consistent shot-stopper.
Valued at 10 million Euro, Hrádecký's arrival in Leverkusen on a free transfer is an excellent deal for Die Werkself.
For more Bundesliga fun stuff, check out my Little Bundesliga Book project. Copies of the 2016 pocket book are still available, with the aim of raising funds for a new edition at the end of this season.
Comments