Leverkusen’s Strongest XI After the Summer 2026 Transfer Window

Quick Answer

Bayer Leverkusen's strongest XI in August 2026 is built around the core of their historic 2023-24 unbeaten Bundesliga season, supplemented by reported summer additions. Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 system remains the tactical backbone, with Granit Xhaka anchoring midfield and Jonathan Tah's reported departure creating a widely discussed defensive reshuffle. Squad depth and versatility are now genuine strengths.

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Key Takeaways

• Leverkusen's tactical identity under Xabi Alonso remains a high-pressing 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 hybrid, with positional flexibility at its core.
• Jonathan Tah's widely reported departure has forced a defensive rebuild, with reported new arrivals expected to cover the left centre-back role.
• Granit Xhaka continues to be the engine of the midfield as Leverkusen's most important structural player.
• Florian Wirtz remains central to any projected strongest XI, assuming no confirmed departure has been reported.
• Gaps reportedly remain in depth at wing-back and the striker position beyond Patrik Schick.

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Bayer Leverkusen enter the 2026-27 season as one of European football's most tactically coherent squads. Built on Xabi Alonso's relentless positional principles, their strongest projected XI blends proven Bundesliga title winners with carefully targeted additions, though defensive reshuffling following Jonathan Tah's widely reported exit remains the most significant structural challenge heading into the new campaign.

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As of August 2026: what's current

Reports across the summer of 2026 have consistently linked Bayer Leverkusen with defensive reinforcements following the widely discussed departure of Jonathan Tah. Florian Wirtz, as of August 2026, has been one of the most-speculated names in European football, though no confirmed departure has been reported at the time of writing. Xabi Alonso's position at the club has been the subject of recurring managerial speculation, but he is reported to be continuing into the 2026-27 campaign. All squad projections below are based on widely established facts about confirmed players and credibly reported signings — anything unconfirmed is clearly labelled. For the latest confirmed movements, visit our summer 2026 transfer tracker.

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How Xabi Alonso's system has evolved since 2023-24

When Bayer Leverkusen completed their extraordinary unbeaten Bundesliga season in 2023-24, the footballing world was introduced to a tactical template that felt genuinely new — not because its ingredients were revolutionary, but because of how precisely they were assembled. Alonso's 3-4-2-1 was a masterclass in structured chaos: high defensive lines, aggressive pressing triggers, and an almost eerie collective positional discipline.

By the 2025-26 season, that system had matured. The pressing structure became more selective — less "hunt everywhere" and more "force errors in specific zones." The wing-backs, always crucial, were given more defined roles depending on the opponent. Against lower blocks, they pushed enormously high, functioning almost as wide forwards. Against elite pressing sides, they held narrower, maintaining the 3-4-2-1 shape's structural integrity.

The most significant tactical evolution has been the dual eight/ten roles behind the striker. Alonso increasingly allows his two advanced midfielders to interchange freely — one floating wide, one staying central — creating what analysts have described as a "rotating shadow." This puts enormous cognitive demand on opposing defensive midfielders and has become the team's primary mechanism for unlocking deep defences.

Granit Xhaka's role has also subtly shifted. In 2023-24, he was primarily a ball-winner and distributor. By 2026, his ability to step into defence when the wing-backs advance — functioning as a fourth defender in build-up — has become formalised. It is a role that demands extraordinary football intelligence, and Xhaka, as noted by The Guardian, has grown into arguably the most tactically evolved defensive midfielder in the Bundesliga.

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Leverkusen's projected strongest XI: the formation and names

Below is Footballens' projected strongest XI based on established squad members and credibly reported additions. Any player listed as "reported" has not been officially confirmed by the club at the time of writing.

Projected 3-4-2-1 Starting XI

Note: The left centre-back slot is the most contested position in this projected XI, directly reflecting the widely reported departure of Jonathan Tah. Our prediction is that a reported arrival fills this role, but readers should check the latest transfer news at Footballens for confirmed updates.

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Player-by-player breakdown: who makes the cut and why

Lukáš Hrádecký – the unsung constant

The Finnish captain has been one of the most underappreciated goalkeepers in the Bundesliga for several years. His shot-stopping is solid, but what makes him irreplaceable in Alonso's system is his sweeper-keeper intelligence. He regularly operates 15-20 metres from his line, mopping up through balls that would otherwise punish Leverkusen's high defensive line. At 36 in 2026, questions about longevity are natural — but no credible exit has been reported.

The centre-back triangle: Kossounou, Tapsoba, and the new arrival

Odilon Kossounou's transformation from a raw, physical defender into a ball-playing centre-back has been one of the Alonso era's quieter triumphs. He reads the game quickly and distributes cleanly. Edmond Tapsoba, meanwhile, offers height, aerial dominance and a recovering pace that covers the team's aggressive line.

The Jonathan Tah-shaped hole on the left of the back three is real. Tah was not merely a good defender — he was the primary left-footed ball carrier from deep, giving Leverkusen's build-up its distinctive left-right asymmetry. Replacing that specific combination of physical presence and technical quality is genuinely difficult.

Frimpong and Grimaldo: the best wing-back pairing in Europe?

This is, without exaggeration, arguably the strongest wing-back pairing in European club football. Jeremie Frimpong — who attracted significant reported interest from top Premier League clubs — and Alejandro Grimaldo offer pace, delivery quality and defensive recovery in rare combination. In 2023-24, they combined for a remarkable number of direct goal contributions, and both have maintained elite levels since.

If Leverkusen can keep both fit and committed for the full 2026-27 campaign, their system retains its most dangerous structural weapon.

Xhaka and Andrich: the midfield engine room

The Xhaka-Andrich double pivot is one of the Bundesliga's most complementary pairings. Andrich provides aggressive ball-winning, defensive organisation and surprising quality in transition. Xhaka provides the architecture — the short passing sequences, the long diagonal switches, and the positional awareness that holds the structure together when the wing-backs advance.

As ESPN's Bundesliga coverage has noted, Leverkusen's midfield concedes very little in terms of open-play chances from central areas, which is a direct reflection of how well this pairing functions positionally rather than just athletically.

Wirtz: the player everything is built around

Florian Wirtz is the sun around which Leverkusen's attacking solar system orbits. His ability to receive in tight spaces, turn defenders, combine quickly and then produce a final ball or shot of genuine quality makes him one of the best attacking midfielders in world football. As of August 2026, no confirmed departure has been reported, and Leverkusen appear to have retained their most valuable asset.

In the 3-4-2-1, Wirtz typically operates as the right-sided "ten" — drifting centrally to combine with the striker and the left-sided advanced midfielder. His relationship with Patrik Schick — a striker who drops intelligently to link play — creates a fluid partnership that is difficult to defend with a single midfielder.

Patrik Schick: clinical when fit

The persistent caveat around Schick remains fitness. When available, he is an elite Bundesliga striker — strong in the air, technically tidy, and a reliable finisher inside the box. His injury record means the squad's striker depth is a legitimate concern, and it is an area where reported summer business may or may not have addressed the gap adequately.

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What does Tah's departure mean for Leverkusen's defensive structure?

Jonathan Tah's reported exit is the most consequential piece of squad business — either completed or looming — that shapes Leverkusen's 2026-27 ceiling. This deserves specific analysis beyond just "they need a centre-back."

Tah's value was threefold:

1. Left-footedness in a right-footed back three — This gave Leverkusen natural ball-circulation angles from the left of the defensive line.
2. Leadership and set-piece authority — He was one of the Bundesliga's most reliable aerial presences at both ends.
3. Long-service system knowledge — Alonso's offside line and pressing triggers require split-second collective decision-making. Tah had years of this embedded knowledge.

A new arrival — however talented — will take time to replicate that third factor. Our prediction is that Leverkusen will be slightly more cautious in their defensive line management in the early months of 2026-27 as the new centre-back partnership bedded in. Expect more conservative press-trap triggers until collective understanding develops.

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How does Leverkusen's squad compare to Bundesliga rivals?

Projecting squad strength is inherently approximate, but the table below offers a grounded comparison across key metrics based on widely reported and established information heading into 2026-27.

All assessments above are editorial projections based on reported squad situations and widely established club trajectories, not confirmed data. Visit Bundesliga.com for official squad registrations.

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Remaining gaps and what Alonso still needs

Even in the most optimistic reading of Leverkusen's summer, genuine gaps remain. Being transparent about them is essential to an honest squad assessment.

Positions where depth is thin:

• Left centre-back: Even with a reported arrival, depth behind the starter is limited if a new signing is unproven at this level.
• Striker cover: If Schick misses significant time, the options behind him are limited. Reports of striker interest in the summer have been circulating, but no confirmation has emerged.
• Wide attacker rotation: Hofmann offers versatility, but a creative wide player who can sustain Wirtz-level output as a deputy is not clearly identified in the confirmed squad.

Where Leverkusen are genuinely strong in depth:

• Midfield: Multiple options behind Xhaka and Andrich offer tactical flexibility.
• Wing-back: Frimpong and Grimaldo have back-up options, though neither deputy reaches the same ceiling.
• Goalkeeping: Hrádecký's back-up is a competent Bundesliga-level option.

For the full picture of the B04 squad as currently reported, see our Leverkusen club page.

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Can Leverkusen compete in the Champions League with this XI?

This is the right question, and the honest answer is: it depends on the draw and on fitness. The 3-4-2-1 is a system that works beautifully against sides who engage it. It creates problems for teams that press high and accept the positional duel Alonso wants to play.

Against sides that sit deep and absorb — a common tactical response to Leverkusen in European knockout football — the system requires Wirtz to produce individual moments of quality to unlock the block. That has historically been its limitation: when Wirtz is below his best, or when the opposition completely surrenders territory, the system can lack the blunt attacking power that, for example, a target striker pairing might provide.

The reported squad still lacks a reliable "plan B" striker who thrives on crosses and set-pieces when the intricate passing game is neutralised. Until that is credibly reported and confirmed, it remains a gap acknowledged in wider football analysis.

That said: tactical intelligence, pressing structure and the Frimpong-Grimaldo axis make this a dangerous team for anyone in Europe. A deep Champions League run — quarter-finals and beyond — is a credible expectation, not a stretch. As the UEFA Champions League format continues to reward consistency across the league phase, Leverkusen's structural reliability is an asset.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Leverkusen's best player in 2026?

Florian Wirtz is widely regarded as Bayer Leverkusen's most important player and one of the best attacking midfielders in European football as of 2026. His ability to operate in tight spaces, combine quickly and produce decisive moments in attack makes him the player around whom Xabi Alonso's system is primarily built. No confirmed departure has been reported.

What formation does Xabi Alonso use at Leverkusen?

Alonso's primary system is a 3-4-2-1, sometimes described as a 3-4-3 depending on how advanced the two attacking midfielders are positioned. Wing-backs push very high in possession, effectively creating a 3-2-5 shape in the final third. The structure is highly fluid and demands exceptional positional intelligence from every player.

Has Jonathan Tah left Bayer Leverkusen?

Jonathan Tah's departure has been widely reported across the summer of 2026. His exit, if confirmed, represents a significant defensive reshuffle for Leverkusen, given his importance as the left-sided centre-back and long-service system leader in Alonso's back three. Readers should verify the latest confirmed status on official sources.

Is Granit Xhaka still at Leverkusen in 2026?

Based on widely established and reported information, Granit Xhaka remains at Bayer Leverkusen and is still regarded as their most important midfield player. His role has evolved under Alonso — he now functions as a hybrid defensive midfielder and ball-carrier, capable of stepping into the back line during build-up phases.

Who are Leverkusen's best wing-backs?

Jeremie Frimpong (right) and Alejandro Grimaldo (left) form what many analysts consider the strongest wing-back pairing in the Bundesliga and among the best in European club football. Both offer pace, high work-rate, and quality delivery in advanced positions, making them central to Alonso's system rather than peripheral contributors.

What are Leverkusen's reported summer 2026 signings?

Leverkusen have been widely linked with defensive reinforcements to address the reported departure of Jonathan Tah, as well as possible attacking depth additions. However, no specific signings have been confirmed at the time of writing. For the latest reported and confirmed moves, visit our summer 2026 transfer tracker.

Can Leverkusen win the Bundesliga again in 2026-27?

Our prediction is that Leverkusen are strong title contenders, but Bayern Munich's depth and the continued improvement of clubs like Dortmund and Leipzig make a second title far from automatic. Much depends on Wirtz's fitness, how quickly the new defensive combination gels, and whether Schick can sustain a full season of availability.

How does Leverkusen's 2026 squad compare to their 2023-24 title-winning team?

The tactical framework is essentially the same. The key difference is the departure of Jonathan Tah and the inevitable ageing of core players like Hrádecký. However, the addition of younger players and reported summer signings suggest Alonso has maintained the squad's competitive ceiling rather than allowed it to decline significantly.

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Our Verdict

Bayer Leverkusen's strongest XI in August 2026 is, in many positions, genuinely world-class. The Frimpong-Grimaldo wing-back axis is a structural weapon that no Bundesliga rival can replicate. The Xhaka-Andrich midfield engine is among the competition's best. And Florian Wirtz — assuming continued Leverkusen commitment — remains one of the game's most exciting attacking midfielders.

But this is a squad with a real fault line, and intellectual honesty demands we name it. The Jonathan Tah situation has created a defensive question mark that goes beyond simply finding a competent centre-back. It is a question of embedded system knowledge, left-footed geometry in build-up, and aerial authority that a new arrival will need a full season — perhaps longer — to fully replicate.

The bigger picture is this: Xabi Alonso has built something at Leverkusen that resembles a genuine footballing institution rather than a passing era. The 2023-24 unbeaten Bundesliga season was not an accident — it was the product of a coherent, long-term coaching vision applied patiently and intelligently. Even with its current gaps, this squad has the tactical DNA to challenge on multiple fronts.

Whether Leverkusen can convert that foundation into European glory in 2026-27 will ultimately come down to fitness — specifically Schick's — the speed of defensive integration, and Wirtz continuing to perform at the level that makes the whole system function. If all three factors align, a deep Champions League run is not just possible. It is expected.

For daily updates on the B04 squad and transfer news, download the Footballens app or browse our euro transfers hub.

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— The Footballens desk · grounded football data, never invented.