Arrivals
Yesterday evening, Simon Rolfes spoke about what we are all talking about - the need for a centre back. Not just any kind of centre back but a quality one. That was in an RP article. Shortly after, Bild came out with an article of their own where Seoane states, "we hope we can fill the position within the next ten days". With whom? Maybe Matthias Ginter. The dream of all those with black and red hearts might finally come to fruition. According to Bild information, Ginter is a 'serious issue' at the club and he should cost between €15m and €20m, money we should already have. Sadly, Bild information today points to a transfer to one of Spain's 'big three' - Atletico de Madrid, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. This is because whilst Leverkusen possess what is necessary, we do not want to involve ourselves in any bidding wars. This contrasts with Sky reports however which claim negotiations between ourselves and the player are ongoing but with no breakthrough as of yet.
Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively report that Leverkusen have opened negotiations with Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo. He hasn't appeared for the first team since 2017 during an FA cup clash against Plymouth Argyle. He has been on loan at Wolves, Glasgow Rangers and Fulham to name a few clubs, last featuring for Cardiff City where he registered 12 goal contributions in 42 appearances. He would surely be the replacement to Gray who is facing an imminent departure.
Departures
According to the French Twitter page @MSVFoot, Joel Pohjanpalo is being courted by RC Lens of Ligue 1. His contract expires in 2022 and a fee of €2.5m is being mooted. It is interesting to note how all of our fringe players are now being associated with moves away (with the exception of Weiser). When he has played for us Danger has rarely disappointed - who can forget his late hat-trick against Hamburg - so it will be sad to see him go but because he has no real prospects here, it would be in his best interests to leave.
Yesterday I wrote about Demarai Gray being in advanced negotiations with Everton. According to Fabrizio Romano things have accelerated with Gray's move in its final stages. He will sign a contract until 2024 with yet another low buy-out clause of €2m.
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