Anderlecht transfer drama: Xabi Alonso seething with anger

RSC Anderlecht have Gustavo Puerta (21) on their radar, but a potential transfer is causing tension at Bayer Leverkusen. Jesper Friedberg has approached the German champions about signing the Colombian midfielder, but has met resistance. Leverkusen are willing to let Puerta on loan, but are only open to a permanent sale with an offer of €8m.

But Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso does not want to let Puerta go and has praised his development and versatility. Puerta is seen as a complete midfielder with excellent technique and leadership on the pitch.

Puerta for sale for only 8 million euros

Gustavo Puerta (21 years old) is high on the radar of RSC Anderlecht. According to transfer expert Sascha Tavoleri, Jesper Friedberg has already contacted Bayer Leverkusen to discuss a possible transfer for the Colombian midfielder.

The German champions are open to a loan move, but Anderlecht want to include a purchase option in the deal. However, this has been met with resistance from Leverkusen, who have big plans for the talent and do not want to let him go.

Only with an offer of €8m – €10m has been mentioned previously – can a permanent transfer be discussed. In addition to Anderlecht’s interest, clubs from the Premier League and Ligue 1 are also said to be interested in Puerta.

He was loaned out to FC Nuremberg last season, but was recalled to the BayArena in January after getting almost no playing time in the German second division. Since then, Puerta has trained with the Bayer first team again, where he has developed rapidly – ​​especially during training.

Although he made just seven substitute appearances in the Bundesliga last season, he is aiming to get more playing time this season, and a new loan deal is being considered to further stimulate his growth.

Xabi Alonso loves Puerta and wants to keep him

Last season, Gustavo Puerta had few chances to prove himself at Bayer Leverkusen. With the arrival of Spanish international Alex Garcia, his chances of playing minutes have deteriorated again.

Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen’s general manager, said in an interview with Kicker “I know that a loan for Puerta is a possibility. “We are waiting for Gustavo. A loan could be a good option for him,” said Rolfes, also emphasizing the young Colombian’s versatility: “He can play in the six, eight or ten positions.”

Despite the limited playing time, successful coach Xabi Alonso would prefer not to see Puerta leave. Alonso, who had a legendary career as a midfielder, has great confidence in the Colombian and sees him as an important part of the team.

“We are very happy with Gustavo, with his attitude and his desire to improve,” said Alonso. “He is currently making great progress towards becoming a top-level player.” Alonso has personally invested a lot of time in Puerta’s development, which has created a special bond between the two.

Puerta himself appreciates this guidance very much: “He always tries to correct me, make sure I have good control of the ball, position myself well and help me progress in the game. He also teaches me to recognize the moments when I need to play quickly with one or two touches. It is a great honor to learn every day from one of the best midfielders in the world.”

All-round midfielder ‘8’ with a rocket on his right foot

Bayer Leverkusen’s talent scout, Werni Agudelo, plays a crucial role in the success of the German national champions. He is responsible for discovering foreign talent, and the arrival of Gustavo Puerta in January 2023, acquired from FC Bogotá for €2 million, is one of his notable transfers.

Agudelo stressed the uniqueness of this transfer, as it is the first time that Leverkusen has chosen a player who did not come from the first division, but who has the skills necessary to break into the German league.

A complete midfielder, Puerta is praised for his excellent vision, vision and technique. With his diverse arsenal of passes and impeccable timing, he dictates his team’s style of play. A complete midfielder and leader on the pitch, Puerta is composed on the ball and capable of finding creative solutions even under pressure.

The 21-year-old Colombian has also attracted international attention; the British newspaper The sun He described him as a wonder to watch and described him as “the organizer and the leader, with a rocket in his right foot.”