Bayer Leverkusen agree €37.5m deal to sign Ivory Coast defender Guéla Doué

Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement with RC Strasbourg Alsace to sign Ivory Coast international right-back Guéla Doué for a reported €37.5 million.

The 23-year-old defender is now closing in on a move to the Bundesliga champions after Leverkusen secured an agreement with the BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 club.

Doué was notably absent from Strasbourg’s squad for their 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Lens, further indicating that his departure from La Meinau is imminent. Romano reports that the Ivorian has also been granted permission to undergo his medical with Leverkusen.

The transfer represents a significant financial gain for Strasbourg, who signed Doué from Ligue 1 rivals Rennes for around €6 million. Just over a year later, the club are now set to receive more than six times their initial investment.

Doué has also become the latest important Strasbourg player to leave the club during a busy summer transfer window. His departure follows those of Valentin Barco, Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara, further reshaping the squad ahead of the new campaign.

The right-back, who is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France star Désiré Doué, has developed into an important player in Ligue 1 since joining Strasbourg.

His performances have also earned him recognition at international level with Ivory Coast, and his move to Germany will provide him with an opportunity to take another major step forward in his career.

Leverkusen’s decision to pursue Doué comes amid a shortage of options at right-back. The Bundesliga side have been looking to strengthen the position, with 35-year-old Lucas Vázquez reportedly their only senior available option in the role.

Doué is therefore expected to provide much-needed depth and competition while giving Leverkusen a younger long-term option in the position.

The Ivorian’s arrival would also continue Leverkusen’s aggressive recruitment from Ligue 1 during this summer’s transfer window.

Before agreeing the deal for Doué, Die Werkself had already completed the signings of Afonso Moreira from Lyon and Facundo Medina from Marseille, with the two transfers reportedly costing a combined €52 million.

Adding Doué for another €37.5 million underlines Leverkusen’s willingness to invest heavily in Ligue 1 talent as they strengthen their squad for the season ahead.

With an agreement now in place and the player cleared to undergo his medical, Doué is edging closer to completing his move to Germany and beginning a new chapter with Bayer Leverkusen.