Bayer Leverkusen wants to make a statement in the Bundesliga this year – and they are doing so by making a fantastic first signing with a French defender just eight hours ago. The French youth international is one of the best up-and-coming defenders, with Bayer Leverkusen giving him a lot of their confidence and backing with a contract that will last until almost 2030.
So, who is the French defender who has turned heads in the Bundesliga? Find out more here.
Bayer Leverkusen Sign French Defender from Rennes
Rennes had to let go of one of their best players the other day. However, they got a great deal financially from letting French defender Jeanuel Belocian go to new club Bayer Leverkusen on a lucrative contract that lasts until 2029. Unlike most deals that are one or two years, depending on confidence in the player, Leverkusen has shown they have the utmost confidence and belief in the U21 French star with a 5-year contract.
Leverkusen had a great season last year in the Bundesliga and the German Cup. They won the league by a fine margin, beating out VfB Stuttgart by 17 points and Bayern Munich by 18 points. Leverkusen shocked the German domestic league by being so dominant, winning 28 matches out of the entire campaign and losing zero.
Their unbeaten run transferred over to the German domestic cup, which they won with ease. However, Bayer Leverkusen was unable to win in the Europa League final, which could be part of the reason why Alonso is looking to add new players to his squad for more depth and skill in key games.
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Who is Belocian? Will he fit in at Leverkusen?
Many Bayer Leverkusen fans are wondering who the mystery defender is and if he will slot into Xabi Alons’s team to win the German league (once again) and the domestic cup. Belocian has been capped two times for the underage French national team, showing his promise and longevity in the game.
He has taken the field almost 40 times for Rennes since signing with the first team two years ago, including appearances in the Europa League against international competitors.
Despite not being a regular first-team starter, he is still young – which is part of the reason Leverkusen wants to be a part of his development and maturity within the game. He has exceptional passing abilities and vision for a young player, which is something that the German club wants to utilize and home as he gets older.
Belocian also has athletic ability in his family. His brother is a two-time Olympian in track and field who has won European titles, showing that genetics are on his side for a long and prosperous career. Plus, he has always thought about joining this Bundesliga side, which helps matters even more.
‘I’ve been in contact with Bayer 04 for a long time…being able to join the German double winner now is just unbelievable for me.’
Belocian can play as either a center-back or full-back for any club, showing his versatility and skill in multiple spots on the field. He started his youth career at AJC and then continued to Stade Lamentinois for seven years, followed by Rennes in 2020. He made 14 appearances for Rennes II at a young age and was finally noticed to join the senior squad in 2022.
Now, he will go on to play at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Can he withstand the physicality? Only time will tell. Stay tuned to find out how this young prodigy does in the German league.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
