Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
When it comes to Bayer Leverkusen, the focus of everyone's minds is on the now. There is no surprise about that since they are trying to achieve something that has never been done in football's illustrious history.
The German club already picked up the Bundesliga title with good time to spare and did it without losing a single game. They still haven't lost a single game and they fully intend to take that unbeaten run to the end of the campaign not only in the League but in all competitions.
The last League game against Augsburg, the UEFA Europa League final match against Italian side Atalanta and a DFB Pokal match against FC Kaiserslautern stand between Xabi Alonso's men and immortality. It is no surprise that Leverkusen tickets are among the most demanded in 2024.
We know what lies in their immediate future but what happens after this glorious campaign ends?
Of course, it would be difficult to repeat such an amazing season. There have been so many late goals, so much high drama and luck going the way of Leverkusen. When you have a foundation on which everything is built, which is the style of play, then it is possible for them to still create their luck to dominate and win games.
Perhaps the biggest dark cloud cast over Leverkusen's future is whether the team can stay together and run it back. Bayer Leverkusen are one of the bigger clubs in Germany but they barely rank among the best on the continent historically.
Their team is made up of a group of very talented young players at its core particularly in attack. With Florian Wirtz as the star prospect, they also have Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong, Odilon Kossounou and Piero Hincapie among others who have caught the eye.
With the season most of these players have had, there will be interest for some of them who will be seen as the top young prospects in their respective positions.
Florian Wirtz has been touted as Leverkusen's main man in this campaign and interest in him could not be higher. He has been touted as Germany's next great prospect since he was playing youth football and that prodigy is the face of Leverkusen's title charge on the pitch.
Teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are among the big names said to be interested in signing the Germany international and there may be a massive contest to get him this summer. If he does well during the Euros then Wirtz may become the most expensive German in football, eclipsing the last great Leverkusen prospect, Kai Havertz.
There was also speculation that Wirtz may join Liverpool along with his manager Xabi Alonso but this was shut down by the player and Liverpool went for another manager instead.
"I don't link my path with his", he revealed while speaking to Der Speigel.
"I don't know what Xabi Alonso will do, but my plan is clear. Of course, we decide our future independently of each other. I need to have such a good relationship with him. I'm now focused on the national team and then I have a lot of plans with Bayer Leverkusen," he added.
Christian Falk of CaughtOffside revealed in March that the player would be looking to stay beyond this summer.
"He said that his father (who is his agent) told him nothing about this interest but his decision has been made; he wants to stay at Leverkusen, continue his education, get better and become an important player with the national team. We won't have any news until next year."
This may have been the stance of the player in March but with 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 games, teams will not be deterred from testing Wirtz's and Bayer Leverkusen's resolve.
Jeremie Frimpong is another player whose future will be in the air this summer. With Manchester United and Arsenal seemingly the main competitors for his signature, the right-wing back will have a massive decision to make regarding his future.
Victor Boniface may have had his season cut short through injury but it didn't stop him from scoring 20 goals and managing 9 assists in 32 games in all competitions this season. He will not be cheap to buy as this is his debut campaign for Leverkusen and the Nigerian international's contract runs until 2028 but the big teams will be lurking regardless.
The players are important but victory for most teams starts from the tactics board. In only his first full season as manager, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich legend has made himself to be recognized as one of the best managers on the continent with the stellar work he has done this season.
His team has shown the versatility to play different formations, deploy different tactics as the game permits and be defensively stingy while being entertaining and prolific offensively.
These are the qualities any top team in Europe will want and this summer, there will be some teams looking to sign a coach of his talent. Alonso, however, does not seem to be in a hurry to leave as he stated his intentions to stay beyond this season.
"We've had a lot of speculation regarding my future. We've had a lot of games, and been pretty busy, and pretty focused, and I wanted to use the international break and reflect and make a decision. Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] and informed them of my decision to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
"It's the right place for me to be, to develop as a coach. The fans showed great support this year. They have all the reasons to believe and dream we can have a great season. The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team. My job is not over here."
The Spaniard may not leave this summer but it would be optimistic to think that he would spend his career at the Bay Arena. The club may need to start planning for a successor sooner rather than later.
So many factors will go into whether Leverkusen will continue to be this good next year and most neutrals won't expect this level of greatness from them next year.
That being said, they have the opportunity to end this season as one of the greatest club seasons ever and that is the most important thing.
Taking my son to his first football match was one of the best experiences I've had as a father so far. I've written this article for Alex to read when he gets older.
Tony Incenzo has been to over 2,000 football grounds - is he the world's barmiest football fan? Read about his love for Non-League football and groundhopping obsession, including watching a match in prison!
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
23 interesting things to do to pass the time until the football season restarts