Bayer Leverkusen has signed Eliesse Ben Seghir from Monaco for €35 million to boost their attack amidst a slow start under Erik ten Hag. With only one point in two Bundesliga games, pressure mounts on Ten Hag despite a squad overhaul. Ben Seghir, a 20-year-old Moroccan international, brings experience and creativity, potentially debuting against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12. Leverkusen hopes his addition will spark a turnaround after key player departures and managerial changes.
Bayer Leverkusen has secured the services of Eliesse Ben Seghir from Monaco for a reported fee of €35 million, adding much-needed creativity to their attacking options. The move comes at a time when questions are being asked about the team's slow start to the Bundesliga season under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Leverkusen's underwhelming beginning to the campaign has seen them collect just a single point from their opening two league matches. Their most recent outing was a disappointing 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, a result that further amplified concerns about the team's direction under Ten Hag.
The pressure is already mounting on the former Manchester United boss, with some suggesting that his position could be in jeopardy despite only recently taking charge. The club underwent a significant squad overhaul during the transfer window, with several key players departing the BayArena.
Among the notable departures are influential figures such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Lukas Hradecky, and Amine Adli. These exits have left a void in the squad that Ten Hag is tasked with filling. The managerial change itself saw Ten Hag take the reins after Xabi Alonso's high-profile move to Real Madrid.
Despite the challenges, Leverkusen has been active in the transfer market, and the arrival of Ben Seghir marks their 16th signing of the window. The talented 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, demonstrating Leverkusen's commitment to building a squad for the future.
Fit check #BenSeghir2030 pic.twitter.com/3tGaROA7K1
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 31, 2025
Ben Seghir brings a wealth of experience despite his young age, having already earned 11 senior international caps for Morocco. Last season, he showcased his attacking prowess in Ligue 1, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances for Monaco.
His creative abilities are further highlighted by the 33 chances he created for his teammates and the 35 successful dribbles he completed, the second-most of any Monaco player, only trailing Maghnes Akliouche. Leverkusen will be hoping that Ben Seghir can quickly adapt to the Bundesliga and replicate his impressive performances.
Looking ahead, Ben Seghir could potentially make his Leverkusen debut in their upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12. Following that, the team will embark on their Champions League campaign, with their first match scheduled against Copenhagen six days later. These upcoming fixtures will provide crucial tests for both Ben Seghir and Leverkusen as they look to turn their season around.
The acquisition of Ben Seghir represents a significant investment by Leverkusen, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level. However, the pressure remains on Erik ten Hag to quickly integrate the new signings and find a winning formula. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the team's trajectory and whether Ten Hag can weather the early storm.
Leverkusen's supporters will be eager to see how Ben Seghir fits into the team's attacking setup and whether he can provide the spark needed to ignite their season. His arrival brings a sense of optimism, but ultimately, success will depend on the collective effort of the squad and the tactical acumen of Ten Hag.
As Leverkusen navigates a challenging period of transition, the signing of Ben Seghir offers a glimmer of hope. His talent and potential could prove to be the catalyst for a turnaround, but only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations.