Speculation linking Karim Benzema with a move to Bayer Leverkusen has been firmly dismissed by the club's sporting director, Simon Rolfes. The 44-year-old made it clear on Tuesday that no new signings are currently planned. "Our squad is set," Rolfes said in a statement to Bild Sport, ending rumours surrounding the free-agent 38-year-old striker, who terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
No Room for Benzema
The French world-class striker had been linked with Bayer Leverkusen last week. A report by French reporter Ilyes Kaddouri claimed there had been direct contact between Benzema and the Bundesliga club. The former Real Madrid star was also said to have been in touch with current Leverkusen players Moussa Diaby and Lucas Vázquez, his former teammates. A potential return to Olympique Lyon had already fallen through the previous week. Rolfes has now refuted these mega-rumours, pointing to the existing attacking options within the team.
Current Attacking Situation
Bayer Leverkusen are currently relying on established forwards Patrik Schick, Christian Kofane, and Victor Boniface, who is recovering from a serious knee injury. Schick is the team's current top scorer this season with three goals in three appearances. The Werkself sit seventh in the table with four points from three games, having scored eight goals. Their last match ended in a 2-2 draw away to FC Augsburg this past Saturday, with Schick netting the equaliser in the 89th minute. The senior squad and injury list, which includes Montrell Culbreath, Nathan Tella, and Kennet Eichhorn, is available under squad.
Further reading: Bild Sport
