Bayer Leverkusen have no plans to sell Exequiel Palacios; Simon Rolfes expects a busy end to transfer window

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Florian Plettenberg reports that Bayer Leverkusen have no plans to offload midfielder Exequiel Palacios before the end of the transfer window on September 1. 

Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes reaffirmed the club’s stance, stating: “There is absolutely no intention to let him go. Neither the player nor his agent have approached us. We are firmly planning with him.” 

Ben Jacobs reported on Tuesday that Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr both hold an interest in the 26-year-old, with the former already having opened talks with Palacios’ representatives. 

Whether the riches of the Middle East will tempt the Argentine remains to be seen, but what is clear is the club’s position on the matter. Having already lost midfield linchpin Granit Xhaka this summer along with several other key players, die Werkself are eager to stress that Palacios is not for sale. It would likely take an exceptionally large bid for Rolfes and his team to even consider a deal.

Simon Rolfes expects a busy end to transfer window

Speaking to RP, Rolfes expects the next few days “to be intense” as Bayer Leverkusen continue to work on transfers, “both incoming and outgoing.” Victor Boniface is set to join Milan on loan with a €30m purchase option while Bayer 04 are also monitoring Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber.

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