New Bayer Leverkusen signing Ibrahim Maza has shared his thoughts on his €12 million transfer from Hertha Berlin, describing the move as a defining moment in his early career and expressing both excitement and humility about the challenges ahead.
The 19-year-old Algerian international spoke candidly to German outlet rbb24, acknowledging the magnitude of his transition from the 2.
Bundesliga to one of Germany’s top-tier clubs, who will compete in the Champions League next season.
“The level there will certainly be completely different,” Maza admitted, aware of the significant step up in intensity and quality. “I’m curious to see if I can keep up the pace and continue to develop. I want to integrate well there and find an apartment quickly. I think living without my family will also be a challenge at first.”
Despite interest from high-profile European clubs including Manchester City, Atlético de Madrid and Inter Milan, Maza chose to remain in the Bundesliga, believing Leverkusen to be the most suitable environment for his next phase of development.
The decision, he says, was not about prestige but progression.
Ibo Maza spoke to @rbb24 abouth his move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer💬
On what he thinks the biggest change compared to life at Hertha will be: “The level there [in Leverkusen] will certainly be completely different. I’m excited to see if I can keep up there and develop… pic.twitter.com/1MHmi3GNns
— WerkselfXtra (@bayer04Xtra) May 15, 2025
“I’m very grateful for this mark of esteem, that they think I’m worth twelve million,” he said of the transfer fee. “But beyond that, I try not to worry too much about it. I just want to play football and ignore the rest.”
The move to Leverkusen comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds the future of head coach Xabi Alonso, who has been repeatedly linked with top managerial positions across Europe.
Maza, however, appears unfazed by the speculation.
“Only on the internet,” he joked when asked whether he knows who will be in charge next season. “But I could obviously ask them. We’re in very good contact.”
Looking ahead, Maza is focused on the fundamentals—working hard, adapting quickly, and contributing to the team.
“I always want to give my all and try to progress as much as possible. I just hope to be well received there and to be able to give the best of myself for the club,” he said.
With such composure and ambition at a young age, Maza’s transition to Leverkusen signals more than just a promising transfer—it marks the beginning of a potentially bright chapter in European football.
