Since Peter Bosz arrived as coach in January, Leverkusen has played a very attractive and succesful style with high possession (57.7%, second after Bayern) and lots of shots on goal (15.2, 3rd in league). A strong finish with 16 points from the last 6 games saw them finish 4th and qualify for the CL. The aim now of course is to continue this approach and maybe even attack the two dominant sides Bayern and BVB.

Unfortunately, Leverkusen lost a key player in Julian Brandt to BVB. He provided 7 goals and 11 assists and is at 23 years old still able to improve. The second somwhat prominent loss is Dominil Kohr (CDM) to Frankfurt, although he only played in 10 games (8 subs) last season. While Brandt is a painful loss, Bayer reloaded smartly: Club record signing Kerem Demirbay arrives from Hoffenheim, Lukas Sinkgraven (LB) from Ajax (Bosz’ former club), Nadiem Amiri (attacking midfield) from Hoffenheim as well, and Moussa Diaby (left wing) from PSG. Especially Demirbay is a great transfer, he can immediately slot in for Brandt who played a more central role / “8” at the end of last season.

I think there will be lot of rotation going on for Leverkusen next season. They have excellent alternatives at several positions: Wendell and Weiser for the fullbacks, Baumgartlinger for CDM, Bellarabi and Paulinho for the wings, Amiri for the attacking midfield positions or the wing, and Alario as striker. This gives a lot of flexibility for Bosz to change the game plan while staying true to the overall concept. For example Wendell and Weiser at full backs would probably be the more attacking option. There is also room for improvement with the players from last year: Havertz is still an unbelievable 20 years old, Bailey is also young (22) and slowed down a bit after a great start, and Tah at 23 can solidify his position as a world class defender. So overall I think Bayer did a great job and will have a very succesful season again. Not quite enough to challenge the top 2, but closer than the rest of the league.

Title odds: 41:1

Relegation odds: 101:1

Final expected finish: 3

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