Bayer Leverkusen sign young Hertha Berlin talent Ibrahim Maza
Hertha's Ibrahim Maza stands on the pitch ahead of the 2nd German Bundesliga soccer match between Hertha BSC and Karlsruher SC at Olympiastadion. Bayer Leverkusen have signed teen-aged attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza from second division Hertha Berlin on a five-year contract until 2030, the Bundesliga champions said on Thursday. Soeren Stache/dpa
Bayer Leverkusen have signed teen-aged attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza from second division Hertha Berlin on a five-year contract until 2030, the Bundesliga champions said on Thursday.
The 19-year-old Algeria international is seen as a huge talent, and there had been speculation for weeks that he would leave Hertha despite a contract until 2027 for Leverkusen.
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The transfer fee has been estimated at €12 million ($13.6 million) which is a welcome fee for cash-strapped Hertha.
"Ibrahim Maza is currently one of the most interesting young attacking players," Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said.
"Ibrahim suits us and our style of football. He has outstanding technical ability, is good at dribbling and assertive and he also has vision for his teammates who he can brilliantly bring into play."
Berlin-born Maza played for the German U18, U19 and U20 teams before opting to play for his father's country of Algeria in 2024. He joined Hertha in 2018 and is a key player for them now.
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Maza named the Leverkusen transfer "a great chance – a dream! I had the best opportunities to develop and improve with Hertha in the second division. Now I want to prove myself on the big stage with a top European club."
Maza is considered a potential successor for German international Florian Wirtz who has a Leverkusen contract until 2027 but is subject of interest from several European top clubs.
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