Leverkusen's transfer guru opts to stay with the gigantic Wirtz sale looming

Simon Rolfes has been serving as the Managing Director at Bayer Leverkusen since July 2022. Now, the club has extended the contract with the 41-year-old until 2028. This extension also acknowledges his outstanding job during the past transfer window. It underlines confidence to conduct what will probably be the record sale in the club's history - that of star winger Florian Wirtz.

Bayer Leverkusen is experiencing a season like never before: The Bundesliga leaders dominate the league with an exceptional tally of 34 points after twelve matchdays - and with a team moulded into a cohesive unit by Xabi Alonso, impressing in every aspect. However, the groundwork for this success was laid by Rolfes: with the signing of Alonso in October 2022, his contract extension until 2026 - and notably, during the previous transfer window, Rolfes achieved an almost perfect track record.

With Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface, the manager hit bullseyes with his four key transfers, creating conditions for his coach to shape an ambitious squad into a genuine top-class team. Now, Rolfes is being rewarded for these performances. The club is extending the manager's contract with Bayer Leverkusen, previously bound until 2026, for an additional two years until 2028. The deal includes a corresponding salary increase for the former German international forward.

This step isn't surprising after Rolfes said he had assured club chairman Werner Wenning of not leaving Bayer. The chairman is delighted to have tied Rolfes to a new deal.

"Simon Rolfes has uniquely combined his experience and qualities as a player with the requirements of modern football management. He stands out for his high professional expertise, an excellent eye for talent in the global market, his enormous diligence and the unmistakable Bayer Leverkusen DNA."

Rolfes, appointed honorary team captain after his playing career, remains humble but announces further determination.

"I have learned a lot here, and I am glad I can contribute to further developing the club along with many professional and dedicated colleagues. We have achieved a lot in recent years and gained tremendous quality, not only on the pitch."

Rolfes' main task in the foreseeable future will be to mastermind the sale of Florian Wirtz. Bayern Munich are reportedly at the top of the wonderkid's preferred destinations. Recent reports from the well-informed Florian Plettenberg suggest that Wirtz wouldn't want to sign for a non-German club at this point. While the Bavarians are keen on acquiring him, Leverkusen's asking price for Wirtz is reportedly within the $130 million to $140 million range, which could pose a significant financial challenge for the reigning champions.

Despite Bayern's interest, Wirtz has also drawn attention from other top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. This widespread interest implies that a potential move for the 20-year-old could be complex and costly. Until the January transfer window opens, Rolfes can enjoy a few days of quiet and plan for the future.

"Bayer Leverkusen possesses much of what an ambitious, modern, and success-hungry club must offer. It's a lot of fun for me to work in such a professional environment. Therefore, I am pleased we will continue this exciting journey together."

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

Group stage - Matchday 5

Thursday

20:45: (1.90) Freiburg (3.60) Olympiakos (4.50)

20:45: (10.0) TSC Backa Topola (6.50) West Ham (1.30)

20:45: (4.00) AEK (3.60) Brighton (2.00)

20:45: (2.55) Sparta Praha (3.50) Betis (2.85)

20:45: (2.20) Atalanta (3.50) Sporting (3.45)

20:45: (1.87) Sturm (3.50) Rakow (4.20)

20:45: (4.90) Maccabi Haifa (3.60) Rennes (1.75)

23:00: (1.67) Olympique Marseille (4.00) Ajax (5.60)

23:00: (1.32) Rangers (5.30) Aris Limmasol (9.50)

23:00: (1.15) Liverpool (10.5) LASK (17.0)

23:00: (2.30) Toulouse (3.50) St.Gilloise (3.25)

23:00: (2.05) Villareal (3.60) Panathinaikos (3.90)

23:00: (4.20) Servette (3.50) Roma (1.87)

23:00: (5.60) Sheriff Tiraspol (3.70) Slavia Praha (1.65)

23:00: (8.00) Hacken (5.00) Leverkusen (1.38)

23:00: (1.95) Molde (3.60) Qarabag (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***