Bayer Leverkusen earned a 2-1 victory over Dutch side Fortuna Sittard in a pre-season friendly on Friday, with Burkinabe centre-back Edmond Tapsoba named in the starting line-up for the German champions.
Leverkusen established an early two-goal cushion before conceding once, but ultimately managed to hold on for the win.
The match forms part of the club’s pre-season preparations as they look to build on their historic Bundesliga title triumph last season.
Tapsoba, who played from the start, continues his involvement in Leverkusen’s summer training camp and appears firmly in the plans of manager Xabi Alonso. The 26-year-old defender was a key figure in Leverkusen’s championship-winning campaign, making 29 appearances in the Bundesliga.
Despite recent speculation linking the Burkina Faso international with a potential move away from the BayArena, there has been no indication of an imminent departure.
European sides including Newcastle United and Napoli are reportedly tracking Tapsoba’s situation, but Bayer Leverkusen remain reluctant to offload one of their most consistent performers.
According to the football data platform Transfermarkt, Tapsoba holds a market value of €35 million. His steady performances and physical dominance have drawn praise both domestically and abroad.
The defender, who stands out for his positional awareness and calm distribution under pressure, has become an indispensable part of Leverkusen’s backline.
Tapsoba currently earns an annual salary of €5 million in Germany, further underlining his importance to the club. While financial terms could be tempting for other suitors, Leverkusen’s focus remains on stability as they prepare for a busy season involving Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and European competitions.
The win over Fortuna Sittard offered Alonso’s squad another opportunity to fine-tune their approach and assess player readiness.
The fixture also allowed the coaching staff to rotate the squad and monitor fitness levels, with Tapsoba’s involvement once again showcasing his value as a first-team regular.
Having joined Bayer Leverkusen from Vitória de Guimarães in 2020, Tapsoba has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most highly rated central defenders.
His composed style, ability to carry the ball from the back, and aerial dominance have made him a constant subject of interest in transfer windows.
As the new campaign draws closer, Tapsoba’s immediate future appears to remain with the German champions, although continued interest from abroad suggests that his situation could evolve if a significant offer is made.
For now, he remains focused on helping Leverkusen defend their domestic crown and make an impact in Europe.
The German side’s pre-season continues with more friendlies scheduled, as the squad aims to reach full match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures. Tapsoba’s consistent performances suggest he will once again play a central role in the club’s ambitions in the 2024/25 season.
