In a move that reinforces Bayer Leverkusen’s ambitions on both domestic and European fronts, the Bundesliga champions have announced the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from English Premier League side Brentford.
Flekken, 30, arrives with a wealth of experience from both the Bundesliga and Premier League, and his return to Germany marks a pivotal chapter in a career that has steadily climbed from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of European football.
A New Chapter Begins
Speaking to the club shortly after finalising the deal, Flekken described the transfer as a defining moment.
“Signing with Leverkusen is a big step for me,” the Dutch international shared. “It’s a chance to showcase my ability at a new level. I’ve always admired the Bundesliga, and now to be part of a top club with Champions League aspirations is incredibly exciting.”
The move also marks a return to familiar territory for Flekken, who previously made a name for himself in Germany during a successful stint at SC Freiburg. However, his development accelerated significantly during his time in England, where he regularly faced some of the world’s best attacking talent.
“The Premier League shaped me. The pace is non-stop, and you’re constantly under pressure,” Flekken noted. “But that experience helped me mature, not just as a player, but as a person. Now I feel stronger, sharper, and more prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Reflecting on his journey, Flekken was candid about the path that brought him here. Just eight years ago, the Dutchman was playing in the lower tiers of football, far from the glamour of elite European competition.
“I came up step by step from the very bottom. To be back in the Bundesliga now, representing a club like Leverkusen in the Champions League, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not just for me, but for my family and everyone who supported me through the tough times.”
Flekken wasted no time setting high expectations for himself and his new club.
“I didn’t come here just to play, I came here to win. I want to help Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga title again, and I want us to go far in the Champions League. That’s what motivates me. That’s what I’m here for.”
Leverkusen Strengthens Its Back Line
The move was met with enthusiasm by the club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, who praised Flekken as a modern, elite-level goalkeeper.
“Mark has all the tools, lightning-fast reflexes, excellent aerial control, and a commanding presence in the box,” Rolfes commented. “At 1.95 meters tall, he brings the kind of physicality we need at this level. His Premier League experience and international caps with the Dutch team make him an ideal fit for our squad. We’re confident he’ll play a major role in our plans moving forward.”
With Flekken now part of an already formidable Leverkusen squad, the club appears well-equipped to not only defend its Bundesliga crown but also make a profound impression in Europe. For Flekken, the transfer represents not just a career move but the culmination of years of grit, resilience, and progression.
As the Champions League looms and a new Bundesliga season approaches, all eyes will be on the Dutch shot-stopper to see whether he can add silverware to his inspiring story.
