Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed a series of incoming and outgoing transfers ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Piero Hincapie’s move to Arsenal now finalized as a permanent deal. The defender had previously been with the Gunners on loan, and the Bundesliga club confirmed the completion of the transfer on Thursday.
Alongside Hincapie’s departure, Leverkusen also see several loan deals expire, resulting in players returning to their parent clubs. Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin returns to Borussia M'gladbach, while Francis Onyeka will rejoin VfL Bochum after his loan spell. Victor Boniface also returns to Werder Bremen following a loan period.
Leverkusen have brought in a significant number of players, many of whom were previously on loan with the club. Matej Kovar returns to Leverkusen after his loan from PSV Eindhoven concludes, although Kovar will then move to PSV on a permanent deal. Jeanuel Belocian and Abdoulaye Faye also join permanently after loan spells with VfL Wolfsburg and FC Lorient respectively.
Further additions include Luca Erlein from TSG Hoffenheim, Noah Mbamba following the end of his loan from FCV Dender EH, and Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC. Naba Mensah steps up from the Bayer Leverkusen U19 squad, while Farid Alfa-Ruprecht and Francis Onyeka return from loan spells at VfL Bochum. Aleksa Damjanovic arrives from Roter Stern Belgrad, with Ndjicoura Bomba joining from CS Bamako, Kerim Alajbegovic from RB Salzburg, and Afonso Moreira from Olympique Lyon.
Hincapie, 22, established himself as a key player in Leverkusen’s defense during his time with the club, contributing to their Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season. His permanent move to Arsenal provides the Premier League side with a promising young defender, while Leverkusen have clearly focused on a blend of retaining loan players and bringing in fresh talent to bolster their squad. The club’s activity suggests a continued commitment to developing young players and maintaining a competitive edge in the Bundesliga. The departures, particularly Hincapie, will require Leverkusen to integrate their new signings quickly to maintain defensive stability.
