Bayer Leverkusen have signed goalkeeper, Mark Flekken from Brentford for £11m.
Flekken’s return to Germany comes two years after he left SC Freiburg for Brentford, where he made 76 appearances in all competitions.
This season even saw the 31-year-old make more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League, having managed 153 saves in 37 appearances – which is 28 more than the second best goalkeeper, Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Leverkusen consequently swooped to sign the in-form Dutch international to boost their goalkeeping options alongside Lukas Hradecky and Matej Kovar, under new manager – Erik ten Hag who previously managed Kovar at Manchester United for one season.
Brentford however declined to begin negotiations until they agreed a deal with Liverpool for Caoimhin Kelleher which eventually reached a solution, and paved the way for the Bees to accept a £11m offer from Leverkusen to sanction Flekken’s move.
Director of Football, Phil Giles described Flekken as the “seamless replacement” following David Raya’s move to Arsenal in Summer 2023, with the Spaniard having set “an extremely high standard during his years with us.”
Giles proceeded to admit that he had envisioned Flekken staying with the Bees for longer but respected his decision to move “closer to home”, and were happy to work with Leverkusen to reach a sensible solution which appeased all parties as Flekken left with “thanks and support.
Brentford’s Goalkeeping Coach, Manu Sotelo added that Flekken had been “a great” player for the club on and off pitch as he paid tribute to the Dutchman for his work.
“Despite a tough beginning, he ended up being a really important player. Offensively, he helped us to play from the back on another level, but not just playing short as he got three assists in two seasons.
“Defensively, he became a really solid goalkeeper after an uncomfortable transition after changing countries. The Premier league is ruthless, but he became one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
“He was relentless in training and leading our young goalkeepers. His impact here was massive and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Following confirmation of his move to Leverkusen, Flekken described the Bundesliga club as “the next and special step” in his career, as he credited the Premier League for improving his performance levels.
“Many games against absolutely world-class players in England have raised the level of my game,” commented Flekken who is excited to bring his learnings to the Bundesliga.
“I’m very happy to be able to dedicate my qualities now to a top German club with big national and European targets. I love the Bundesliga and I’m obviously also looking forward to playing for the Werkself in the Champions League.”
Leverkusen Sporting Director, Simon Rolfes added that “Flekken has a great wealth of ability that a goalkeeper needs in top-level football today. He has great reflexes, dominates his area well and has enormous reach with his height of 1.95 metres.”
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