Bayer Leverkusen Plot Summer Move for Konstantinos Mavropanos
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly exploring a summer move for Konstantinos Mavropanos as the Greek defender looks increasingly likely to leave relegated West Ham United.
The Hammers are preparing for potential offers for the 27-year-old centre-back, with reports indicating that Leverkusen have emerged as serious contenders for his signature. West Ham are believed to value Mavropanos at around €35 million, a figure that could spark negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit as they seek to lure him back to Germany.
Leverkusen Step Up Interest
Leverkusen’s interest in Mavropanos comes amid a broader effort to strengthen their defensive options. The German club have already invested heavily in their backline in recent transfer windows, adding Loïc Badé from Sevilla and Jarell Quansah from Liverpool as part of a long-term defensive rebuild.
Mavropanos is said to be open to a return to the Bundesliga, where he previously impressed during spells with Stuttgart. However, it remains uncertain whether Leverkusen are prepared to meet West Ham’s €35 million asking price.
The race for the defender is far from straightforward, with Borussia Dortmund also monitoring his situation closely. Reports suggest Dortmund have already made concrete enquiries, meaning Leverkusen may need to move quickly if they want to gain an advantage in the battle for his signature.
Exit Appears Increasingly Likely
Earlier in the transfer window, Mavropanos was loosely linked with a return to Arsenal, but such a move now appears highly unlikely. Instead, a switch back to Germany looks like the most realistic outcome, with both Leverkusen and Dortmund emerging as leading candidates.
The defender is understood to be keen on a fresh challenge following West Ham’s relegation, and a departure before the transfer deadline is becoming increasingly probable.
West Ham Facing Defensive Dilemma
Should Mavropanos secure a move away from the London Stadium, West Ham will be left with a significant gap to fill in defence. The club will need to move decisively in the market to identify and recruit a suitable replacement as they prepare for life in the Championship.
With Nuno Espírito Santo tasked with guiding the Hammers back to the Premier League at the first attempt, reinforcing the squad could become a top priority if Mavropanos completes his expected exit.
