Atletico Madrid renew interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza

Atletico de Madrid have renewed their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza, with the 20-year-old Algeria international also being monitored by several leading Premier League clubs.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are among the English sides tracking Maza, according to an exclusive report by Africafoot. The renewed attention from Atletico adds to the growing competition for a player who has quickly become one of the most closely watched young midfielders in Europe.

Maza can operate in several midfield roles, a versatility which has strengthened his appeal to clubs following his progress at Leverkusen. His ability to contribute in different areas of the pitch has attracted interest from both Atletico and the English clubs monitoring his development.

Leverkusen plan to improve Maza’s terms

Leverkusen are understood to be preparing a new contract package for Maza, including improved financial terms, as they seek to strengthen their position and protect the player’s future at the club.

According to Ekrem Konur, the German club want to respond to the growing interest by rewarding Maza’s progress and reinforcing their control over his situation. However, the proposed action would not involve extending a deal that is close to expiring.

Maza is already under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 30 June 2030. Any new agreement would therefore represent a revision of the existing terms rather than a straightforward extension, with the club seeking to reflect both his development and the increased attention he is receiving in the transfer market.

Maza joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025 and soon became the subject of heightened interest. His emergence has encouraged the club to protect its investment amid approaches and monitoring from prominent sides in Spain and England.

The combination of Atletico’s renewed pursuit and continued interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City has placed Leverkusen under pressure to secure their position. The German club’s response is to keep Maza and strengthen his contractual protection, although the outcome of the interest from Madrid and the Premier League remains to be seen.

Maza’s international commitments will also bring him into focus with Algeria set to play Zambia in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.