Ibrahim Maza threatens a swift exit at Bayer Leverkusen
On Bayer Leverkusen's training ground, a small circle of reporters watches as the 20‑year‑old forward Ibrahim Maza, after a one‑two, finishes the ball in the penalty area – a moment that shapes the current discussion about a possible winter transfer. In ten league matches he has already scored three goals and provided three assists, making him indispensable for the factory team.
PSG pushes for coveted player
Algerian journalist Brahim Hanifi reported that Paris Saint‑Germain have selected the young forward as an absolute dream signing and want to sign him “at any cost”. French Sky confirmed that the financially strong club could already plan concrete steps in the winter to secure Maza from BSC.
Kvaratskhelia replacement and other options
PSG see Maza as a possible replacement for the Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who suffered a severe knee injury and, after an ACL tear against FC Barcelona, is expected to miss the rest of the season. In addition to Maza, Paris Brunner and Said El Mala are also expected to be on the transfer list, with a winter budget of €80 million allocated.
The 20‑year‑old has impressed not only for Bayer 04 this season but also internationally: he most recently shone at the Africa Cup for Algeria, while at the World Cup he remained without a goal involvement in four matches.
Toni Kroos says World Cup bias denied Kvaratskhelia a Ballon d’Or chance
In the summer of 2025 Maza moved from Hertha BSC to Bayer Leverkusen for €12 million, to act there as the legitimate successor to Florian Wirtz. His performances earned him a nomination for the Kopa Trophy as the best young player last Monday, where he ultimately finished ninth.
“Of course I’m proud. It’s a dream for every boy and every girl to be part of such a ceremony and to be nominated. I’m very grateful for that,” Maza said after the gala at London’s Palladium Theatre. PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele commented on the event on Instagram, saying: “The next Ballon d’Or, God willing.”
Maza’s contract runs until 2030; Bayer executives Simon Rolfes and Fernando Carro are working internally on an early extension with a salary increase. Despite Paris’s obvious interest, Bayer remains unimpressed and stresses that Maza is not the only potential replacement for Kvaratskhelia – Luis Enrique highlighted internal options such as Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, with Godts already contributing a goal and an assist on Monday against Olympique Lyon.