Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are exploring a move for Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza ahead of the summer transfer window.
The West London club are expected to strengthen their squad significantly this summer as they prepare for next season under new coach Xabi Alonso
Meanwhile, the potential departure of Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez is also another reason they have been searching for alternatives in the midfield position.
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Maza began his career at Hertha Berlin, making his debut for the senior side in 2023 after previously playing for the reserves. The 20-year-old only joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but an impressive campaign has put him on the radar of several top clubs.
The Algerian midfielder played 44 games across all competitions last season for Die Werkself, scoring five goals and provided seven assists in an impressive debut season for the club.
Ibrahim Maza at Bayer Leverkusen: Salary, market value, career, stats and more
However, his performances were not enough to help them secure qualification for the Champions League after they narrowly missed out. Maza is currently in action with Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, where he has played both of their games so far.
The 20-year-old’s versatility is also one of his major strengths, given his ability to play in an advanced midfield role and also in central midfield. He can also be deployed on either flanks, offering multiple options to the team.
Potential transfer breakdown
Ibrahim Maza has a market value of around €45 million, which ranks him as the most valuable Algerian player in the world as well as the most valuable player at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the former Bundesliga champions are expected to request for around €70 million for the young midfielder, with a percentage of any future sales also included in the deal.
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Chelsea have also explored the possibility of a deal, although they would face competition from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in the Algerian midfielder.
Maza earns about €1.65 million per year, and the total investments in his signature could exceed €80 million, depending on the length of the contract he signs.
