Bayer Leverkusen have completed their summer transfer business with the signing of French right-back Guéla Doué. The 23-year-old defender underwent his medical on deadline day and will sign a contract until 2029.
Doué arrived in Leverkusen early Tuesday morning at 8.05 am, having traveled from Strasbourg on Monday evening. The club will pay Racing Strasbourg a fixed transfer fee of 30 million euros for the defender, whose market value is estimated at 20 million euros. This move comes as Leverkusen find themselves in 13th place in the Bundesliga with 0 points after one match, already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Guéla Doué is the two-year-older brother of French international Désiré Doué, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. The 1.87-meter tall defender was developed at Stade Rennes, where he began his professional career and played alongside Martin Terrier. In 2024, he moved from Rennes to Strasbourg for six million euros. For the Alsatian club, he made 69 competitive appearances, scoring three goals and providing nine assists.
His career highlight so far was participating in the 2026 World Cup with the French national team. Doué started three matches and came on as a substitute once in the 1-2 group stage loss to Germany. His former coach at Strasbourg, Gary O'Neil, who managed the club from January 2026 until the end of last season, praised the player's versatility. "He gives us a lot of flexibility. He plays a bit higher up the field in possession to create spaces." said O'Neil.
The signing of Doué comes at a time when Bayer Leverkusen have a negative goal difference of 2:3 after the first matchday and have taken just one point from one game. The club is seeking more defensive stability and additional attacking impetus from the wide positions. Doué's ability to operate as an attacking full-back could address exactly this need.
Manager Liam Rosenior has already spoken positively about the newcomer's mentality. "He is a natural leader. He constantly encourages the other players. With that mentality, he can go very far," said Rosenior. This characteristic could help the team overcome their difficult start to the season.
With the signing of Doué, Bayer Leverkusen conclude their summer transfer window. The 30 million euro investment shows the confidence of the decision-makers in the potential of the French international. His five-year contract until 2029 gives the club planning security on the right defensive side.
The integration of the new player must happen quickly, as Bayer 04 face their next Bundesliga opponent on September 5th. Union Berlin, currently ninth in the table, visit Leverkusen for a home match. All upcoming fixtures can be tracked in our fixtures calendar. For Doué, this game could represent his first opportunity to prove himself in his new surroundings and help the team secure their first points of the season. The club currently sits in 13th place with 0 points from one game, increasing the pressure for the coming matches.
Guéla Doué signs his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen until June 30, 2029.
