Bayer Leverkusen close in on Ibrahim Maza deal amid Barcelona interest

Bayer Leverkusen are close to extending Ibrahim Maza’s contract until 2031 as Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain monitor the Algeria midfielder.

The 20-year-old has impressed since joining Leverkusen and his recent performances have prompted the German club to accelerate negotiations, according to German newspaper Bild.

Maza’s current deal runs until 2030, but several rounds of talks have reportedly brought the two parties close to an agreement on a further year. Leverkusen have also submitted a written proposal that would move him into the club’s highest salary bracket.

Under the reported terms, Maza’s annual salary would rise from 2.5m euros to 4m euros, while he would receive an additional overall bonus of 4m euros.

A key factor in the progress of the negotiations is understood to be Maza’s acceptance that the new contract will not include a fixed release clause allowing him to leave for a pre-determined fee.

Leverkusen used a similar approach with Florian Wirtz, with whom Maza is increasingly being compared. Wirtz joined Liverpool for 140m euros two years ago, and officials at the German club believe Maza could also develop a market value of 100m euros in the near future.

Maza joined Leverkusen from second-tier German club Hertha Berlin in 2025 in a deal worth 12m euros. His rapid development has helped him establish himself as a regular starter and an increasingly important member of the team.

He has scored four goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances this season, while he has won 23 caps for the Algeria senior side.

Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in Maza was reported at the beginning of November. The player subsequently spoke about his ambition to represent one of Europe’s leading clubs, while also naming the French side as a personal dream.

“Of course, it would be a great dream for me to play one day for a historic club such as Paris Saint-Germain,” Maza told RTL and Sky Sport Germany. “It is one of the best clubs in the world, on the same level as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.”

“Playing for a club of that size is a target I am trying to achieve, like many other footballers,” he added.

Barcelona are also reported to be following the midfielder, and Maza has recently spoken about the Catalan club as another of his future ambitions. However, the Spanish side are not currently short of midfield options and have considerable depth in that position.

Leverkusen’s proposed extension is aimed at securing control of Maza’s future and reducing the risk of losing him as interest from Europe’s leading clubs continues to grow.