Bayer Leverkusen signed France youth worldwide Axel Tape on a free switch from Paris Saint-Germain’s under-19 staff on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old Tape, a tall defender, signed a “long-term” contract with Leverkusen, the Bundesliga membership stated.
“Tape is a versatile defensive player, a good footballer with pace, athleticism, and well-developed game-intelligence,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes stated. “We see great potential in Axel, and signing him on a free transfer is an important building block in our future-oriented squad planning.”
Tape helped PSG’s under-19 staff win the French championship final weekend. He made three appearances for the senior staff. He was reportedly additionally a goal for Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham Hotspur.
Tape is the second promising young participant Leverkusen has signed this offseason after the 19-year-old Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin.
The membership is present process a shakeup of the squad following coach Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid. Team captain Johnathan Tah didn’t renew his contract and joined league rival Bayern Munich, and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong switched to Liverpool.
Star participant Florian Wirtz is anticipated to finish a record-breaking switch to Liverpool within the coming days.
The membership appointed former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag as Alonso’s substitute, and final week signed Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford.
Leverkusen additionally signed 21-year-old defender Tim Oermann from relegated Bochum and promptly loaned him to Austrian champion Sturm Graz. Promising midfielder Francis Onyeka went within the different course to Bochum on mortgage for subsequent season.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Published – June 12, 2025 03:31 am IST
