Nadiem Amiri’s path to Ligue 1 seemed to be mapped out. Even before Leverkusen’s test match appearance at the Stade Velodrome three weeks ago, Olympique Marseille had expressed interest in the former German international. Then the 26-year-old, who is still under contract with the Europa League participants until 2024, had delivered a good performance in the 2-1 win, which he garnished with a directly converted corner kick. The transfer seemed to take its course.
But now Amiri’s fortunes may be turning around. Leeds United, relegated from the Premier League last season, want to sign the midfielder. And the English are already well advanced with their plans. Leeds United are prepared to pay a transfer fee for Amiri that matches Leverkusen’s expectations.
Bayer would like to collect around six million euros for the player, who moved from 1899 Hoffenheim to Leverkusen in 2019 for a transfer fee of nine million euros. The deal will not fail because of the agreement between the clubs. But the question now is: What will Amiri decide?
And this is where it gets exciting. On Wednesday, Amiri had apparently not yet been able to make up his mind that he sees his future in the English Championship. Now it remains to be seen how Bayer 04 will react. After all, the club still wants to sign a fast winger.
With the Amiri millions, the Tella deal could also come to a successful end
But in the poker for Nathan Tella, the desired player for this position, an agreement is still waiting. Southampton FC are demanding more than 20 million euros. Bayer had last offered 18 million. If Bayer had secured the Amiri millions and did not have to continue servicing the player’s lavish contract, the Tella deal could also come to a successful end.
