Bayer Leverkusen are preparing to refresh their squad in the summer as they look to once again challenge for the Bundesliga title whilst also juggling Champions League football, and according to Sport Bild, they already have two centre-back options in sight.
The first option is Real Madrid’s Rafa Marín, the defender is currently on loan at Deportivo Alaves in La Liga and is looking to take the next step in his career. However, Real does not want to let Marín leave so would only be interested in letting him leave either on loan or with a buy-back option, similar to Dani Carvajal’s move to Leverkusen in 2012.
An alternative is Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, the 21-year-old has a similar profile to Piero Hincapié and he can play not only on the left side of central defence but also as a left-back. Since joining from Basel in the summer, he has played a key role in Bologna’s unlikely push for a Champions League spot under Thiago Motta.
However, Leverkusen will face competition from Juventus who are also interested in Calafiori, and he could cost around €20-30m.
Leverkusen will likely be able to afford new signings by selling one of their players. It is reported that Piero Hincapié will be the player likely to leave with Die Werkself demanding around €50m.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
