Bayer Leverkusen flies with Xhaka to training camp in Rio

Bayer Leverkusen flew with Granit Xhaka to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro late in the evening.

The midfielder, who is poised for a transfer, is part of the squad for the Brazil trip and boarded a charter flight with his teammates at Cologne/Bonn Airport, the Bundesliga club announced. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who PSV Eindhoven is reportedly pursuing, is not among the squad. Over the next ten days, the Werkself will prepare for the new season with new coach Erik ten Hag.

However, according to a media report, the 32-year-old Xhaka may be about to leave the runners-up. According to Sky, the Swiss international has agreed a transfer with Saudi club Neom SC. According to the pay-TV broadcaster, the newly promoted team to the Saudi Pro League has reached a "verbal agreement in principle" with Xhaka.

Neom SC verbally informed Bayer that they wanted to sign Xhaka. A potential transfer fee of around six million euros was suggested. However, an agreement between the clubs has not yet been reached, which is why the veteran flew with them to Brazil.

Xhaka's contract with the runners-up runs until 2028. However, according to media reports, he isn't convinced that he should play a key role in shaping the XL transformation under new coach Erik ten Hag. Leverkusen has already had to cope with several high-profile departures, including star coach Xabi Alonso (to Real Madrid), defensive leader Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), winger Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool FC), and exceptional talent Florian Wirtz (Liverpool FC).

• WDR
• Bayer Leverkusen
• Bundesliga
• football