Matej Kovar allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer – Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega and SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu potential replacements | OneFootball

Kölner Stadt Anzeiger reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s number two Matej Kovar will be allowed to leave the club in the summer.

Since joining in the summer of 2023, Kovar has failed to explain why he should replace Lukas Hradecky as number one going forward with his performances. Last season he was predominantly used as a cup goalkeeper, but this season has also been used in the league but failed to perform.

Leverkusen have decided that Kovar will be allowed to leave in the summer, and the search for a replacement has already begun. Manchester United have a buy-back option on the Czechia international, but it is unlikely to be activated.

Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is an option as he wishes to play more regularly. As is Napoli’s Alex Meret who can potentially join on a free transfer. If Leverkusen are to take a chance on youth, then SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu is also reportedly on Leverkusen’s list. Previous names also mentioned are Espanyol’s Joan Garcia and Karlsruher SC Max Weiß.

Whoever does come in, Leverkusen will stick to their performance principle for who is the number one next season, so there will be a fair fight with current number one Lukas Hradecky.

GGFN | Jack Meenan