Bayer Leverkusen has announced the signing of highly rated teenager Ibrahim Maza from second-division side Hertha Berlin — the club’s first acquisition ahead of next season.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a contract through June 2030. According to Kicker, the transfer fee is around €12 million ($13.6 million), Idman.biz reports.
Maza, born in Berlin, joined Hertha’s academy from Reinickendorfer Füchse in 2016 and quickly emerged as one of the club’s brightest prospects. After Hertha’s relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023, he became a key figure in the second division, recording five goals and five assists this season.
“Maza is currently one of the most interesting young attacking players,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. “He has outstanding technical skills, can dribble past defenders, and reads the game brilliantly.”
Maza represented Germany at youth level before switching to play for Algeria. Although he extended his Hertha contract last year until 2027, the club’s financial troubles paved the way for his departure.
“As a Berliner, it meant everything to play professionally for Hertha,” Maza said in a farewell statement. “I’m grateful to the club for giving me the chance to now take the next step at the highest level with Leverkusen.”
Leverkusen is expected to have a busy summer, with key players and coach Xabi Alonso linked with moves away following the club’s historic Bundesliga and cup double. Hertha confirmed plans to give Maza a proper send-off in their final home games of the season.
Idman.biz
