Bayer Leverkusen made a commanding start to the new season, beating third-division Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 away in the DFB-Pokal first round on August 22. The result was routine for the defending cup holders, but the bigger story surrounding the club concerns a significant shift in identity under new head coach Carles Martinez.

Martinez has moved from a back three to a back four, and that tactical change has effectively ended Robert Andrich's role at the club. The 31-year-old captain, who played 46 games last season and scored crucial goals against Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, has been told to find a new club. His contract runs until 2028, but the message from the coaching staff has been clear. A move to Eintracht Frankfurt never materialised, and a first foreign transfer now appears the most likely outcome. Former teammate Granit Xhaka publicly defended Andrich on social media after a wave of online criticism, calling the treatment of the midfielder "unbelievable and incomprehensible."

Leverkusen's plan to replace Andrich with 17-year-old signing Kennet Eichhorn has already hit a setback. The teenager was diagnosed with a metabolic condition shortly after joining, leaving his debut timeline completely open.

On a more positive note, the club rejected a reported 60 million euro offer from Arsenal for centre-back Jarell Quansah, making clear the 23-year-old is not for sale. Quansah, who joined from Liverpool for 35 million euros last summer, is central to Martinez's defensive plans.

Leverkusen travel to Elversberg in the Bundesliga on August 29, with a home league game against Union Berlin to follow on September 5.