Speaking to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that despite interest from other clubs he will stay at Die Werkself.
Recently, Rolfes had been linked to the role of sporting director at Liverpool as the club is also interested in Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. When asked about his future, Rolfes said: “The fact that there is a lot of speculation about the protagonists of Bayer 04 due to our current successes is part of the business. But that doesn’t change my orientation. I didn’t extend my contract until the autumn without reason. I am absolutely happy in this constellation in Leverkusen.”
Previously, the former midfielder has also spoken on the fact that he believes that Alonso and the likes of Florian Wirtz will be staying at Leverkusen beyond the summer despite constant reports linking them elsewhere. These links, especially towards Bayern Munich, can easily be used as a tactic by the Bavarian side to try and rattle Leverkusen, however, the gap between the two is now eight points.
Rolfes signed a contract extension at Leverkusen until 2028 at the end of last season. Since replacing Rüdi Voller as sporting director in 2022, Rolfes has been key in giving contract extensions to Jeremie Frimpong, Edmond Tapsoba, and Exequiel Palacios whilst also hiring Alonso and signing Victor Boniface, Granit Xhaka and Alejandro Grimaldo.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
