Edmond Tapsoba, the Bayer Leverkusen centre back, is a primary target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer. Despite active talks, Leverkusen is firm on keeping the Burkinabe defender, emphasizing their determination to retain him.
- Leverkusen has declared Tapsoba untouchable.
- Active talks are ongoing, but Leverkusen is determined to keep him.
- Saudi Pro League clubs are showing significant interest in Tapsoba.
Edmond Tapsoba: A Key Player for Bayer Leverkusen
Edmond Fayçal Tapsoba, born on February 2, 1999, in Burkina Faso, has become a cornerstone of Bayer Leverkusen’s defense. Standing at 192 cm (6’4″) and weighing 84 kg (185 lbs), Tapsoba’s physical presence and defensive skills have made him indispensable. Since joining Leverkusen in January 2020 from Vitória SC Guimarães for a reported €18 million, Tapsoba has accumulated 128 Bundesliga appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist in the 2023/24 season.
His recent performance highlights include winning 24 tackles, completing 88 successful passes, covering a distance of 10.2 km, and making 13 sprints in his last match of the 2023/24 season. These statistics underscore his importance to the team and why Leverkusen is keen to keep him.
Recent Achievements and Transfer History
Tapsoba’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has been marked by significant achievements. He was part of the squad that won the DFB-Pokal and the German Championship title in the 2023/24 season. Before his time at Leverkusen, Tapsoba played for Salitas FC, US Ouagadougou, Leixões SC Matosinhos, and Vitória SC Guimarães, showcasing his development and adaptability across various leagues.
Despite the lucrative interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Leverkusen’s management is adamant about retaining Tapsoba. The club’s clear message of considering him untouchable demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a robust defensive lineup.
🔴⚫️ Bayer Leverkusen centre back Edmond Tapsoba has been included on shortlist of Saudi Pro League clubs this summer.
He’s one of the main targets as talks took place but clear message from Leverkusen: he’s considered untouchable.
Bayer absolutely want to keep him. https://t.co/6oFHYgUaG1
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 01, 2023
Broader Transfer Market Dynamics
The interest in Tapsoba is part of a broader trend within the Bundesliga, where clubs are working diligently to retain their key players amid external interest. For instance, Bayer Leverkusen is also focused on securing a new contract for Robert Andrich amid Premier League interest, highlighting their strategy to keep crucial team members (source).
In parallel, other Bundesliga teams are making strategic moves. Borussia Dortmund recently acquired Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim, aiming to strengthen their squad (source). Similarly, RB Leipzig is closing in on signing Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge to bolster their ambitions (source).
The dynamic nature of the transfer market underscores the importance of strategic planning and decisive actions by clubs to secure their desired outcomes. Leverkusen’s stance on Tapsoba aligns with this proactive approach, ensuring they remain competitive in the Bundesliga and beyond.
