Rayan Zidane signs Bayer Leverkusen deal as Algeria interest grows

Rayan Zidane has signed his first professional contract with Bayer Leverkusen, keeping him at the German club until 2028 after a series of impressive performances for their under-17 side.

The 17-year-old midfielder has now stepped up to the under-19 team and is also training with Leverkusen’s senior squad, where Ibrahim Maza is already attracting attention as an Algerian player.

Zidane’s agent, Ayman Dahmani, told Maghreb-Foot that offering a professional contract at such a young age reflected Leverkusen’s intention to develop the player over the long term.

The club is reportedly managing his involvement with the first team carefully. Its approach is designed to protect Zidane while also limiting outside interest in the midfielder.

A medical issue connected to his physical growth has also slowed his progress in recent months.

Algeria preferred for international football

Zidane holds both German and Algerian nationality, but he is favouring a future with Algeria’s national team.

Dahmani said he had contacted the Algerian Football Federation about the player. Zidane’s family are also encouraging him to choose the north African country, although his representative acknowledged that adapting to African football would take time.

Leverkusen are due to face Mainz in their fifth German league match of the season.