Bayer Leverkusen are wrapping up its pre-season training camp in Rio de Janeiro, and new head coach Erik ten Hag has spoken publicly for the first time about the team’s preparations, the future of midfield anchor Granit Xhaka, and the club’s plans in the transfer market.
Productive Brazil Camp Leaves Ten Hag Satisfied
Speaking to German outlet Kicker, Ten Hag praised his squad’s intensity and professionalism throughout the Brazil tour.
“Overall, I’m very pleased with how the group has trained,” he said. “We’ve had high-intensity, fast-paced sessions, and the team has responded well. The most important thing is we’ve avoided any serious injuries.”

Concerns briefly surfaced after left-back Alejandro Grimaldo was stretchered off during a recent training session. However, the scare turned out to be minor. “It was just a slight graze,” Ten Hag confirmed. “He was laughing and back on the team bus after his shower. Everyone is in good shape, and we’ve laid a solid foundation for the season ahead.”
Ten Hag: “Xhaka is Not Leaving”

Recent reports suggested that Granit Xhaka’s agent has been pushing for a move to English Championship side Sunderland. But Ten Hag was quick to shut down the speculation.
“Agents can say whatever they want, but we’ve already lost three key players this summer. We can’t afford to let anyone else go,” the Dutchman said, “Granit is a leader in the dressing room. He’s under contract for another three years; we’re not letting him leave.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes echoed Ten Hag’s stance, saying a move would only be possible under very specific conditions.
“This is a three-party matter,” Rolfes explained. “A transfer can only happen if the club, the player, and the buyer are all on the same page, and the offer has to be right. As of now, that’s not the case.”
Leverkusen’s Attack Still Needs Reinforcements
While Leverkusen boasts attacking talent in the form of Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface, Ten Hag made it clear that more firepower is needed up front.
“We know exactly what we’re missing; we need more weapons in the final third,” he admitted. “We’ve got some good attackers, but we need to unleash their full potential.”

Ten Hag praised recent signing Malik Tillman for his early contributions but stressed that he alone isn’t enough.
“Tillman is a great addition, no doubt. But we still need players who can make a real difference in the big moments, whether that’s on the wing or through the middle.”
Building for the Season Ahead

As Leverkusen continues to fine-tune its squad, Ten Hag emphasised the importance of maintaining team structure and culture as the club transitions into a new era.
“We’re not just building a squad, we’re building a culture, an identity. That takes time and stability,” he said. “Letting key players go now would damage that process.”
With the Brazil camp concluding and the Bundesliga season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Leverkusen’s next moves in the transfer window, particularly up front.