Kovar's Leverkusen future uncertain as replacements are lined up
Bayer Leverkusen's second-choice goalkeeper Matej Kovar can leave the club in summer, Kölner Stadt Anzeiger reports.
Since his arrival from Manchester United in 2023, Kovar has failed to oust first-choice Lukas Hradecky from the goal.
The Czechia international did enjoy spells between the sticks in last year's Europa League run and this season's Champions League campaign.
However, the 24-year-old does not seem to be part of Leverkusen's long-term plans.
A host of potential replacements have been listed including Man City's backup Stefan Ortega, SC Freiburg's Noah Atubolu and Alex Meret of Napoli.
Several rumours have also linked Die Werkself to promising Spanish shot-stopper Joan Garcia who is currently at RCD Espanyol.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
9 minutes ago
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Ace Leaves Club On Three-Year Deal
An FC Barcelona star has agreed to leave the club on a three-year contract with a Spanish rival ... More according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. An FC Barcelona star has agreed to leave the club on a three-year contract with a Spanish rival as first reported by SPORT, which cited anonymous sources, but then confirmed by the club on Friday afternoon. As his fall from grace continues, Ansu Fati was expected to be the first big departure out of the club. The Lamine Yamal of his era who smashed a number of youngest goalscorer and appearance maker records at club and international level at the turn of the decade was handed Lionel Messi's number 10 shirt when the Argentine fled for Paris Saint-Germain, such were the great expectations made of him. With injuries complicating his trajectory, however, Fati was sent out on loan to Brighton in the Premier League in 2023/2024 where he failed to impress overall. Things weren't much better last term under Hansi Flick either. On his return to the club, Fati was unable to convince the German of his worth in a treble-winning season and is being strongly linked with a move to AS Monaco as Barca closes in on Nico Williams for their shared left wing position. Yet while that potential operation looks to have stalled, Barca has seen another La Masia-produced talent leave its ranks. As reported on by SPORT and later confirmed by the club, Aleix Garrido is on his way out of the exit door after 13 seasons in Blaugrana - the last two of which were with the reserves who he captained in 2024/2025. Garrido will join second division Eibar on a three-year deal, and does so as one of the most promising players of the reserve outfit known as Barca Atletic, which is now overseen by the scorer of the winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final Juliano Belletti. By opting for a transfer away from Catalonia, Garrido is yet another La Masia promise that didn't see a clear path to the first team. Simultaneously, however, there are examples such as that of Marc Casado's, which speak to the value of biding one's time and waiting for the opportunity to come.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Chelsea could derail João Pedro transfer to Newcastle
Newcastle United may be about to miss out on top summer target Joao Pedro, after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Chelsea are now tracking the Brighton forward. Eddie Howe's side have been exploring options to strengthen their attacking line ahead of their return to Champions League action. Their interest in Pedro had appeared to intensify in recent weeks, with a deal looking more likely than not. Advertisement However, Newcastle's pursuit could now be derailed, with Chelsea understood to have added the Brazilian striker to their shortlist of summer targets. That's according to Romano, who claimed that Enzo Maresca's side 'highly rated' the 22-year-old, who netted 10 times in 27 Premier League outings last season. 'Joao Pedro is going to leave – expected to leave,' Romano said on his YouTube channel. 'He is open to leaving Brighton in the summer transfer window. Let's see what happens with the clubs. 'Newcastle already tried to sign Joao Pedro before he joined Brighton. A deal was done verbally but it collapsed for different reasons. Now he remains a player on the list of the recruitment team at Newcastle. Advertisement 'They want Joao Pedro at Newcastle. They made contact with Brighton, as was reported in England in recent days, but there is still no club-to-club agreement. What I can confirm is Joao Pedro is on Chelsea's list. 'He is highly rated by Chelsea. They see him as an interesting option because he can cover different positions and knows the league. He can be a different option for the squad. For sure, Joao Pedro is a name on their list.' In a surprising twist, Pedro's Brighton teammate Igor Julio has already publicly revealed that the striker informed the club of his desire to move on this summer. 'Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step,' Igor told Trivela. 'It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here. 'We have to be honest, the club already knows that. [I am] very happy for him. He deserves it. He's been here in England for five years and hasn't played for a big team yet. It's his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he is.'
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wirtz completes medical ahead of Liverpool move
Florian Wirtz's transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool has reportedly been completed. According to multiple sources, the German international has successfully passed his medical, with Sky Germany reporting that he has signed a contract with the Premier League club lasting until 2030. Liverpool are now preparing the official unveiling of Wirtz as their latest signing. The total transfer fee could rise to as much as €150 million, including all potential add-ons.