Julian Brandt to decide future in next week, confirms Bayer Leverkusen chief
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Rudi Voller is hopeful the club will be able to retain the services of Julian Brandt this summer.
The 23-year-old was believed to have had a release clause of just £21.5m but that is no longer valid after the club clinched Champions League qualification.
Could Brandt leave Leverkusen? Five key things to know…
- Brandt had a release clause of just £21.5m, but a condition in his contract reportedly stipulates that now Leverkusen have qualified for the Champions League the option is no longer active.
- Peter Bosz’s side finished fourth in the Bundesliga after a comprehensive 5-1 thrashing of Hertha Berlin on the final day of the season.
- Brandt is still heavily in demand, with clubs from the Premier League having been linked with his signature.
- Liverpool and Spurs have been the two big names dominating the headlines for Brandt, but Borussia Dortmund have now emerged as another potential destination.
- Club CEO Voller has now fanned the flames by confirming offers have been received for the attacker.
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Brandt played a key role as his side humbled Hertha Berlin in the German capital on Saturday, scoring the fifth goal as his side secured a top-four finish.
By reaching Europe’s elite knockout competition, his £21.5m clause – which made him one of the continent’s most coveted players – is no longer effective, with his price expected to skyrocket as a result.
The 24-time Germany international has been consistently linked with a move to Liverpool to link up with compatriot Jurgen Klopp, and club CEO Voller has now revealed multiple clubs have lodged their interest in Brandt.
When asked by reporters about Brandt’s future, he said: “Julian Brandt has some requests, we know that, and there will be a decision over the next five, six or seven days.
“We think we have a great chance and we hope he stays.”
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Where could Brandt end up?
Having missed out on the Champions League in the previous two seasons, Brandt may be enticed to stay at the BayArena to once again compete in Europe’s premier tournament for Die Werkself.
Voller certainly thinks Leverkusen may yet retain the services of their prized asset, but the young star’s head could be turned if offers come rolling in this summer.
Julian Brandt created more chances (86) than any other player in the 2018-19 Bundesliga season.
Also the most from open play (63)… before anyone asks. 😉 pic.twitter.com/U5hqzSeUO1
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2019
Premier League big hitters Liverpool and Spurs have been linked to Brandt, but Sky Sports believe that should the incisive winger leave Leverkusen, then he will opt to remain in his homeland.
Borussia Dortmund have also emerged as a potential option open to the youngster, with Lucien Favre keen to bolster his ranks as he looks to go one better in the Bundesliga title race next term.
