Bayer Leverkusen made a confident start to the new season, beating third-division Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 in the DFB-Pokal first round on August 22, but the more significant story surrounds the squad overhaul that new head coach Carles Martinez is driving through before the transfer window closes.

The most pressing issue is Robert Andrich's future. Martinez has switched the team from a back three to a back four, a change that has effectively ended Andrich's role in the side. The coach stripped him of the captaincy, handing the armband to Edmond Tapsoba, and told the 31-year-old directly that he would play only a peripheral role. RB Leipzig have been linked with a move, though no formal offer has arrived yet. Andrich's contract runs until 2028, but with the window closing, a departure looks likely. Former teammate Granit Xhaka publicly defended him against online criticism, calling the treatment he had received "unbelievable."

Compounding the midfield situation, teenage signing Kennet Eichhorn, brought in specifically to fill Andrich's role in defensive midfield, has been diagnosed with a metabolic condition. His return date is uncertain, which leaves Martinez short of options in that position.

Leverkusen did resist outside pressure on their defensive core. Arsenal made a verbal offer of 60 million euros plus bonuses for centre-back Jarell Quansah, who joined from Liverpool last summer for 35 million euros, but the club rejected it outright, insisting he is not for sale.

Leverkusen travel to Elversberg in the Bundesliga on August 29, with the squad transition still unresolved.