Bayer Leverkusen have not improved on their offer to Stuttgart for Borna Sosa meaning a transfer for the Croatian before today’s deadline is unlikely, according to Sky Germany’s Marlon Irlbacher.
Die Werkself submitted an opening offer of a reported €10m to sign Sosa (25) today, but VfB rebuffed their approach. The Swabians are holding out for a fee closer to €15m, significantly lower than the €25m they wanted in the summer.
Leverkusen’s interest in Sosa, who represented Croatia at the World Cup, came after their attempt to sign Rayo Vallecano’s Fran Garcia fell through. Real Madrid are close to activating Garcia’s €10m buy option, as reported via our colleagues at Get Spanish Football News, and will pay €5m for the 23-year-old as they hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause on the player, who joined Rayo Vallecano from Los Blancos in the summer of 2021.
With the pending departure of Naouirou Ahamada to Premier League side Crystal Palace for a reported €12m, Stuttgart are also in no rush to raise further funds this month.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
