Bayer Leverkusen are one step away from signing Loic Bade as they have reached an agreement worth €29 million with Sevilla, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
The Bundesliga giants are now sorting out the personal terms with the French central defender on a five-year contract.
Despite competition from Inter Milan and Bournemouth, Bade has indicated his desire to move to Germany.
Bade will become the second prominent defensive investment for Die Werkself this summer, following Jarell Quansah’s arrival from Liverpool.
After losing star defender Jonathan Tah to rivals Bayern Munich for free, new manager Erik ten Hag is planning to build a world-class backline heading into the 2025/26 season.
Bade has been one of the bright spots for a declining Sevilla side over the last two seasons.
The 25-year-old quickly enhanced his reputation as one of the sought-after defenders in Europe. His performances also led to his debut with the France national team earlier this year.
He is an excellent passer and progressor of the ball and is solid in aerial and physical duels.
Bade has shown he has the calibre to play in the Champions League, so he can be an integral part of Leverkusen’s squad..
Lekerkusen have decided to keep Ecuadorian centre-back Piero Hincapie this season despite interest from elsewhere.
Hincapie, Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba and Bade will form a formidable backline and can stand toe-to-toe with Bundesliga champions Bayern.
Former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is another potential defensive target.
They are looking to strengthen the midfield and attack, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte and Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir lined up as possible targets.
