Leverkusen identify Frankfurt defender Theate as transfer target

The Belgian made 33 appearances for the Hessen giants last season and impressed when deployed as both as a centre-half and a left full-back.

Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Bayer Leverkusen has expressed interest in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate.

It is currently unclear how the situation in Leverkusen's central defense will develop, who will leave, and who will be loaned out.

As a result, the Rhineland club have identified the versatile centre-half as an option ahead of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.

However, Leverkusen will face further competition from the Turkish Süper Lig, with Besiktas already making initial contact.

City rivals Galatasaray are also monitoring the situation and could make a move if there are any further departures in defense.

Frankfurt hopes to earn between €15 and 20 million from the sale of the 36-time Belgian international, who first joined on loan in 2024.

Theate then transferred permanently for €13million from Stade Rennes in the spring of 2025 and still under contract until 2029.