As Bayer Leverkusen prepare to defend their maiden Bundesliga title, they’ve strengthened their attack with the signing of Stade Rennais’ Martin Terrier (27) for €20m. The Frenchman has already made his debut for the club, starting against VfB Stuttgart in the DFL Supercup in which Bayer went to win on penalties, but it was a game to forget for Terrier who was sent off after 37 minutes.
After playing for Lille, Lyon and Rennes, Terrier’s move to Bayer Leverkusen is the player’s first club outside of France. But prior to his ACL tear in January, Terrier had garnered interest from Newcastle United, West Ham United and Leeds United. With seven goals and three assists in 24 Ligue 1 games for Rennes last season, the Frenchman hinted that he could depart the club after they missed out on European football.
A move to Germany and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen beckoned and now Terrier has the chance to test himself in new waters with a move to the BayArena. If there is one area in which Bayer could have improved upon last season, it was their squad depth and the 27-year-old not only adds to that, but also offers a unique skillset. Perhaps not as pacey as Jeremie Frimpong or Nathan Tella, Terrier has a significantly better scoring record, is composed in the final third and offers experience at the highest level. After Leverkusen went all but one game unbeaten last season, losing the Europa League final to Atalanta, Terrier offers a new dynamic to their attack and wide areas.
And with the prospect of playing under Xabi Alonso, a move to Bayer Leverkusen would be difficult to turn down for most players. In the 2021/22 season, Terrier outscored his xG by 7.1 in Ligue 1, the best player in this category, and if he’s able to rekindle that form, this could be a magnificent piece on business by Leverkusen’s recruitment team, yet again.
