Erik ten Hag's first Bayer Leverkusen signing?! Bundesliga side target Premier League goalkeeper as Liverpool star is eyed as replacement

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg (via Sport Witness), Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken is open to joining Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, with both parties having reached a verbal agreement. The 31-year-old, who kept eight clean sheets in 37 Premier League games this season, is edging closer to becoming ten Hag’s first signing at the club.

Leverkusen are in contact with Brentford over a potential fee in the region of €10–14 million (£8m-£12m), as Flekken remains under contract until 2027. The Bees are prepared to offload the Dutch goalkeeper but are also seeking reinforcements.

Bayer Leverkusen parted ways with Xabi Alonso as the Spaniard agreed to join Real Madrid, appointing former Manchester United and Ajax manager ten Hag as his replacement. According to Kicker, the Bundesliga side have been pursuing Flekken for four weeks and are now edging closer to securing his signature, though the move may depend on how quickly Brentford can fill the gap. The report claims that Thomas Frank’s side have identified Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher as a possible replacement.

Flekken made his debut for the Netherlands in 2022 under the mentorship of Louis van Gaal and has kept two clean sheets in eight appearances.

Leverkusen will usher in a new era under ten Hag when the new season begins, following Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid. Whether Flekken is a part of it remains to be seen.