Bayer Leverkusen ready to make Ibrahim Maza one of their top earners

Bayer Leverkusen are close to extending Ibrahim Maza’s contract until 2031 as interest grows in the Algeria midfielder from Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old has impressed since joining Leverkusen and, according to German newspaper Bild, the club have moved quickly to strengthen their position after several rounds of negotiations.

Maza’s current deal runs until 2030, but Bild reports that Leverkusen have made a written offer that would move him into the club’s highest salary bracket. His annual wage would rise from 2.5m euros to 4m euros, with a further overall bonus worth 4m euros.

A key factor in the progress of the talks is understood to be Maza’s agreement not to include a fixed release clause that would allow him to leave for a pre-determined fee.

Leverkusen are following a similar approach to the one they previously used with Florian Wirtz, with whom Maza is increasingly being compared. Wirtz moved to Liverpool for 140m euros two years ago.

Club officials believe Maza could also develop a market value of 100m euros in the near future.

The Algeria international joined Leverkusen from second-tier German club Hertha Berlin in 2025 in a transfer worth 12m euros. His rapid development has helped him establish a regular starting place and become an important member of the side.

Maza has scored four goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances this season. He has won 23 caps for the Algeria senior team.

Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the midfielder was reported at the start of November, prompting Maza to discuss his ambitions of eventually playing for one of Europe’s leading clubs.

“Of course, it would be a big dream for me to play for a historic club such as Paris Saint-Germain one day,” Maza told RTL and Sky Sport Germany. “They are one of the best clubs in the world, at the same level as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.”

He added: “Playing for a club of that size is a goal I am working towards, just like many other footballers.”

Barcelona and Manchester City are also monitoring the player, while Maza has recently spoken of the Catalan club as one of his future ambitions. However, Barcelona currently have no shortage of midfield options and possess considerable depth in that position.

Leverkusen’s proposed renewal is intended to secure control over Maza’s future and reduce the risk of losing him if one of the interested clubs makes a move.