Bayer Leverkusen stand firm over rising star Christian Kofane

Bayer Leverkusen have moved quickly to shut down speculation over Christian Kofane’s future, insisting the teenage striker is firmly in their plans for next season and beyond.

The 19-year-old has attracted growing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs after a breakout first campaign in the Bundesliga, but Leverkusen are adamant he will not be sold after just one year.

Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes underlined the club’s stance, stressing they signed Kofane to build around him, not to cash in quickly. “We are planning with him for next season. We don’t sign players just to sell them immediately again,” Rolfes said, as quoted by Kicker via Fussballtransfers. Kofane joined from Albacete for around €5 million last summer and has quickly grown into one of the most talked-about young forwards in Europe.

Rolfes also highlighted the youngster’s maturity and loyalty during last year’s transfer talks. “He gave us his word and never wavered. That is extraordinary. There were countless attempts, but never from his side.” Despite links to Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Leverkusen remain convinced that Kofane is central to their long-term sporting project.