Atlético Madrid Eyes Bayer Leverkusen's Maza for Midfield Reinforcement

Atlético Madrid have gone back to an old obsession.

Diego Simeone wants a new conductor for his midfield, and once again the spotlight has landed on Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old Algerian playmaker, Maza. The Spanish club have already moved from admiration to action.

According to Bulinews, Atlético’s sporting department have contacted Leverkusen to formally register their interest. The response from Germany? A firm stance. Leverkusen do not plan to open the door.

This is no bargain-hunt chase. Maza has quickly become one of the most prized young midfielders in Europe. Leverkusen paid around €12 million to sign him from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025; since then, his value has exploded. With a contract running until June 2030, any deal now would mean a fee in the region of €70 million.

Atlético know this market well. They were in early. beIN Sports journalist Hafid Derradji reported that the Spanish side had already tabled a €35 million offer while Maza was still at Hertha. That bid was rejected without hesitation, but it underlined how closely Simeone’s staff have been tracking his rise.

Leverkusen’s refusal makes sense when you watch him. Maza has been electric this season, not just a prospect but a guaranteed starter. The Algerian international has produced one goal and two assists in just four starts, missing only the club’s Europa League opener through illness. When he plays, he dictates.

That kind of form doesn’t go unnoticed. Atlético are not alone in the queue. Arsenal and Manchester City both showed concrete interest in the summer window, testing Leverkusen’s resolve. The answer was the same then as it is now: the 20-year-old is not for sale.

So Leverkusen have changed gear. To keep Atlético, Arsenal and City at arm’s length, the German club are already working on a new contract. Bild report that talks over an extension beyond 2030 began last week with the player’s representatives.

The aim is clear: make staying in Leverkusen as attractive as any move abroad. The proposed deal would bring a hefty salary increase on top of the €3 million per season he currently earns, a financial show of faith in their “midfield maestro,” as the club see him.

Leverkusen are trying to lock down the future. Atlético, and half of Europe, are hoping that future might still be up for debate.