Guéla Doué Set to Join Bayer Leverkusen Over PSG in €35M Deal

Bayer Leverkusen Leads Race for Guéla Doué

Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Guéla Doué from RC Strasbourg, according to reporting by Le Parisien. The French publication notes that the defender is particularly drawn to the Bundesliga club due to their tactical deployment of three central defenders and two wing-backs, a system that fits his playing style. Furthermore, the player’s desire for regular starting minutes has steered him toward the Bundesliga club rather than Paris Saint-Germain.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri corroborated the impending deal on social media platform X, indicating that a final agreement between Racing Strasbourg and Bayer Leverkusen is expected to land near €35M. This valuation sits slightly below the initial €40 million price tag previously floated for the defender.

Strasbourg’s Summer Sales Continue

Guéla Doué’s potential departure marks the continuation of an extensive squad overhaul at RC Strasbourg during the summer transfer window. The Alsatian club has generated massive amounts in player sales, parting ways with notable squad members including Diego Moreira, Valentin Barco, Julio Enciso, and Emanuel Emegha. These departures come on the heels of a difficult start to the Ligue 1 campaign for Strasbourg, which suffered a 4-0 defeat against Marseille on the opening matchday.

Strasbourg’s willingness to sell Doué aligns with their active trading strategy this window, having opened the door to offers for the 23-year-old earlier in the summer. Alongside Paris Saint-Germain, European clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan also monitored the defender before Bayer Leverkusen advanced negotiations.

Paris Saint-Germain Evaluates Defensive Depth

The pursuit of Guéla Doué leaves Paris Saint-Germain weighing whether to accelerate a late-window bid to secure the player. While PSG added Lucas Digne on the left flank to provide cover for Nuno Mendes, manager Luis Enrique still lacks a direct, dedicated backup for right-back Achraf Hakimi.

PSG enters the final days of the transfer window facing mounting pressure after a sluggish start in domestic play. The Parisian club dropped points early in the season with draws against Rennes (2-2) and Lille (2-2), alongside a 1-0 defeat to Lens in the Trophée des Champions.