Bundesliga January 2026 Transfer Primers | Bayer 04 Leverkusen

The article discusses Bayer 04 Leverkusen's strong performance in the Bundesliga season, entering the winter break in a surprisingly strong position alongside RB Leipzig, with both clubs spending to contend for the top four. It highlights the club's decision to terminate Erik ten Hag early in the season as a key executive move, noting that his personality did not align with Leverkusen's rebuilding project, while his replacement, Kasper Hjulmand, may have been a better fit due to a more subdued demeanor.

The piece praises the competence of Leverkusen's management team, including Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro, who are regarded as skilled executives in German football, and credits new professional football director Kim Falkenberg for a successful summer transfer window. It suggests that Leverkusen could finish as runners-up ("Vize-Meister") this season, marking a return to success for a club historically nicknamed "Vizekusen" for often finishing second.

In summary, Leverkusen has exceeded expectations, with a predicted table position of 5th place but an actual position of 3rd place at the winter break, having earned 29 points from 9 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of +13.