Mark Flekken is the first summer signing for Erik ten Hag. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
Mark Flekken is set to join Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era at the German club. After weeks of speculation, the transfer is finally complete.
In late May, several German media outlets reported that the Dutch goalkeeper and Leverkusen had reached a verbal agreement. That understanding has now turned into a finalized deal, with only the official announcement pending. The Bundesliga runners-up will pay Brentford around €10 million for the Dutch international.
Flekken, who turned 31 in June, leaves the Premier League after two seasons with Brentford, where he experienced a campaign marked by ups and downs. Despite some initial criticism, particularly in adapting to the physical and fast-paced nature of English football, the goalkeeper eventually settled in, earning praise for his distribution and composure. However, the opportunity to return to Germany a country where he spent most of his career ultimately proved more appealing.
This move marks a return to the Bundesliga, where Flekken previously excelled with SC Freiburg. His performances there established him as one of the league’s most dependable goalkeepers and led to regular call-ups to the Dutch national team, for which he currently has eight caps. Freiburg had sold him to Brentford in 2023 for around €13 million. One year later, Brentford part ways with him for slightly less, in a move that reflects their plans to refresh the squad and perhaps shift direction in goal.
Flekken’s path to the top was not an overnight success. Before his Bundesliga breakthrough, he played for several lower-league German clubs, including Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Fürth, and MSV Duisburg. His steady rise through the ranks speaks volumes about his work ethic, resilience, and ability to adapt. Known for his sharp reflexes, ability to play out from the back, and leadership, he is expected to be a crucial addition to Leverkusen’s squad as they prepare for a new season that includes Champions League football.
The move also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for Leverkusen under the leadership of Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager recently signed a two-year deal with the club, stepping in following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Alonso led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2024/25 season before moving on to Liverpool. Ten Hag, arriving after his spell at Manchester United, is tasked with continuing that success while implementing his own tactical approach, which emphasizes ball possession, tactical discipline, and building from the back. In that sense, Flekken’s profile fits perfectly with Ten Hag’s vision for the team.
Although Flekken is the first incoming transfer of the summer, Leverkusen have already seen key departures. Jeremie Frimpong, a vital player on the right flank, has joined Liverpool, where he reunites with Alonso. The English giants are also heavily pursuing Florian Wirtz, one of the brightest talents in German football, though negotiations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, Jonathan Tah, Leverkusen’s defensive leader, has completed a move to Bayern Munich, strengthening the reigning champions and leaving a significant gap in Leverkusen’s backline.
These departures pose a serious challenge to Ten Hag, who must now reshape his squad and bring in reinforcements to maintain the competitive level that brought the club domestic glory. The arrival of Flekken is the first step in that process. It is expected that he will take over the role of first-choice goalkeeper, with Lukas Hradecky’s position increasingly uncertain. Hradecky has served the club loyally over the years, but the signing of Flekken signals a potential changing of the guard. With his Bundesliga experience, international pedigree, and strong character, Flekken is seen as a stabilizing force for a team looking to remain among Europe’s elite.
As Leverkusen prepare for pre-season and a demanding campaign ahead, more transfer activity is expected in the coming weeks. Ten Hag’s project is still in its early stages, but with the signing of Flekken, the foundations are already being laid for what promises to be an exciting new era. The pressure will be on to reinforce intelligently and maintain the high standards set in recent years both domestically and on the European stage.
