Bayer Leverkusen complete Flekken signing from Brentford

Mark Flekken enjoyed two successful seasons with Brentford, helping them finish 10th in 2024-25, and he will now move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen have made Mark Flekken the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, acquiring the goalkeeper from Brentford for a reported fee of €10million (£8m) plus add-ons.

Leverkusen are building towards their first campaign under former Ajax and Manchester United boss Ten Hag after seeing Xabi Alonso leave for Real Madrid.

Lukas Hradecky played in 29 of their 34 Bundesliga games last season, with Matej Kovar appearing in the other five.

However, Hradecky turns 36 in November and only has one year left on his contract, causing Leverkusen to swoop for 31-year-old Netherlands international Flekken.

Flekken, who joined Brentford from Freiburg in 2023 and made 74 Premier League appearances in two seasons in west London, has signed a three-year contract with Leverkusen.

Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, stated that Mark had proven to be a seamless replacement for David Raya, who had set an extremely high standard during his years with the club. 

He mentioned that they had expected Mark to be their goalkeeper for many more years. 

However, Giles explained that when Bayer Leverkusen expressed their interest in pursuing the transfer, and Mark indicated his desire to move closer to home with the possibility of playing in the Champions League, the club shifted its focus to finding a way for all parties to make the transfer happen. 

Giles concluded by saying that Mark had done a great job for Brentford and was leaving with the club’s thanks and support.

Flekken kept seven clean sheets in the English top flight last season. Among all goalkeepers to make more than five appearances, only Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez (73.23%) bettered his save percentage of 73.17%.

Brentford are expected to replace Flekken with Caoimhin Kelleher, with the Bees reportedly close to a £18m deal to sign the Liverpool back-up.