- Bayer Leverkusen have reached a €37,5m agreement with RC Strasbourg for Ivory Coast international full-back Guéla Doué
- Doué did not play in Strasbourg’s 2-1 home Ligue 1 win against Lens and has been allowed to undergo a medical with the Bundesliga side
- Bayer Leverkusen and Besiktas have emerged as solid contenders for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado in the final stretch of the transfer window
Bayer Leverkusen Move for Strasbourg Full-Back Doué
Bayer Leverkusen have accelerated their summer recruitment by agreeing a €37,5m deal with BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg for Guéla Doué. The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international full-back is now set for the next stage of the process after being allowed to complete a medical with the Bundesliga side.
Doué, the younger brother of Désiré Doué, was absent from Strasbourg’s squad involvement as the Alsatians earned a 2-1 home Ligue 1 victory against Lens. His expected departure continues a significant summer of exits from La Meinau, with Valentin Barco, Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara also having left the club. The right-back originally arrived at Strasbourg from Ligue 1 rivals Rennes in a €6m transfer.
🚨🔴⚫️ EXCLUSIVE: Bayer Leverkusen have agreed deal to sign Guela Doué, here we go!
Authorization to travel from RC Strasbourg after €37.5m package agreed, add-ons included.
Doué said yes to the move and will sign in as new Bayer 04 fullback. pic.twitter.com/55sqGSFPj6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2026
Why Right-Back Has Become a Priority
Carles Martinez Novells’ Bayer Leverkusen have been actively searching for reinforcement at right-back because of limited depth in that area. The squad currently has only the 35-year-old Lucas Vazquez available as a specialist option in the position.
The Doué deal also fits into a wider pattern of Leverkusen spending heavily on players from Ligue 1 this summer. Before moving for Doué at €37,5m, Die Werkself signed Afonso Moreira from Lyon and Facundo Medina from Marseille for a combined €52m.
Marc Casado Also on Leverkusen’s Radar
Leverkusen are also involved in the race for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. The Bundesliga side and Besiktas have become the solid contenders to sign the 22-year-old during the final stretch of the transfer window.
Barcelona have been working intensively to sell Casado, who is considered surplus to requirements. The La Masia graduate is looking for his next perfect club, and Leverkusen’s project is said to appeal to him.
There is also a positional need behind Leverkusen’s interest. Die Werkself require a defensive midfielder after the recent sale of Exequiel Palacios to Ipswich Town.
