Eleven. That’s how many Bundesliga titles super club Bayern Munich have won in a row entering the 2023-2024 season. Now, Bayern stands 10 points adrift in second place. Bayer Leverkusen are the current pace setters in Germany’s top-flight league, they haven’t lost a single game at the time of writing. Many will attribute their success to their in-vogue manager. However, that is overlooking their mastery of the transfer market.
Last summer Bayern Munich spent 150 million euros on players, and Leverkusen spent 81 million per transfermarkt. Leverkusen has consistently navigated player trading to remain competitive, despite their smaller budget. In the summer of 2023, they put on a show.
Leverkusen Summer Signings
Josip Stanisic: On Loan from Bayern Munich (Germany)
No, you read that correctly. Josip Stanisic’s move on loan was met with little fanfare. This type of move says more about Bayern Munich than it does about Leverkusen. Stanisic has made 22 appearances so far this season. He’s been a key rotational player who has been able to fill in at center back for Leverkusen.
The icing on the cake moment was when he scored against his parent club and refused to celebrate. Well-knowing that he is most likely to return to Munich in the summer. Leverkusen acquired a young player from their rivals for a year. Chess not checkers.
Jonas Hofmann: €10m from Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)
After eight seasons and 79 total goal involvements (goals plus assists) at Borussia Monchengladbach, Jonas Hofmann arrived in Leverkusen to little fanfare. A small fee by modern soccer standards, Hofmann outperformed it. Hofmann’s stats haven’t blown anyone away (5 goals and 6 assists) but his experience has helped.
Several clubs could’ve had Hofmann at that price. However, it is a testament to how well Leverkusen scouts their league that Hofmann ended up with them.
Granit Xhaka: €15m from Arsenal (England)
After coming up just short with Arsenal in the Premier League last season, Granit Xhaka moved back to Germany. He spent four years with Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Arsenal. Xhaka has brought a sense of stability to this Leverkusen side. His calming presence in midfield has been a breath of fresh air in the Bundesliga. Coming so close with Arsenal last year did leave Xhaka with some battle scars. A wounded animal is a dangerous beast.
If Leverkusen completes this incredible season with a Bundesliga win many will point to Xhaka as a key cog. Xhaka allows Leverkusen to control games as they possess the ball the most in the Buli. Xhaka ranks in the 98th percentile or higher in progressive passes, pass completion percentage, and passes attempted per 90.
Victor Boniface: €20m from Union SG (Belgium)
Considering how much strikers are going for nowadays, Boniface was an all-time steal. Despite an injury in January, Boniface posted video game numbers in the first half of the season. With 10 goals and seven assists in 16 Bundesliga games, Boniface announced himself to the world. He’s big (6 ‘2) and strong which is a perfect combo for the finesse of the Bundesliga.
Only 23, Boniface’s biggest asset to Leverkusen is how much they can re-sell him for. Leverkusen more often than not allow players to leave their club. Look at Kai Havertz, Julian Brandt, and Toni Kroos. Boniface in two years (or sooner) will go for a massive fee to one of Europe’s elite.
Alex Grimaldo: Free Transfer from Benfica (Portugal)
I saved the best for last. Alex Grimaldo is on a heater from the wing-back position this season. The 28-year-old has nine goals and 11 assists this season. He did not cost Leverkusen a single euro in transfers. He is the team’s highest-paid player (an advantage of being a free agent). Grimaldo has had some impressive moments and even earned a call-up to the Spanish national team. Combining with opposite-side wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, they’ve created a pick-your-poison scenario for opposing teams.
Grimaldo isn’t unknown, as he made 191 starts for Benfica across eight seasons. Before that, he came through the Barcelona academy. Many teams were in for his signature this past summer, but manager Xabi Alonso was able to get the deal across the line.
The Sale of Moussa Diaby
Teams can only operate in the transfer market if they sell before they buy. Leverkusen is no exception to this rule. They sold 24-year-old winger Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa for 55 million euros. Diaby was a former PSG academy product that moved to Leverkusen for 15 million euros. This 40 million euro profit is just another example of how Leverkusen has successfully navigated the transfer market.
Selling to an English team is never a bad idea. The Premier League is the top dog in the transfer market.
Diaby is a winger who wouldn’t even have a natural fit in Xabi Alonso’s side this year. The money was used to fund their summer spending and without it wouldn’t be possible. Leverkusen also sold Diaby at the right time, when he hadn’t reached his peak, but still gave them quality years.
What Can Teams Learn
I’ve withheld key information so far that will slightly cloud Leverkusen’s summer spending. Their most expensive transfer this summer was Nathan Tella from Southampton. Tella has only started three games this season. By all accounts, he doesn’t necessarily fit Xabi Alonso’s side. He’s still only 24 and could come good next season. Not all your transfers work out, even when most are smash hits.
Leverkusen could’ve spent all their money to replace Diaby on one player, yet they didn’t. They spent their money in different ways. They bought young players, they bought experienced players. The variety of their targets is what stands out. More teams should look to diversify their investments.
Featured Image: Photo by: Markus Gilliar/Getty Images
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