Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement to sign Guéla Doué from Strasbourg in a deal worth €37.5 million, including bonuses. The move is more than another big transfer for the Bundesliga club. It directly addresses one of the biggest gaps in their squad ahead of the new season.
The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international is expected to complete his medical before signing a long-term contract with Leverkusen. Strasbourg have allowed him to travel to Germany after the clubs reached an agreement.
Why Bayer Leverkusen Wanted Guéla Doué
The Guéla Doué transfer makes sense because Leverkusen urgently needed more options at right-back. Reports indicate that Lucas Vázquez, 35, was the club’s only specialist option in the position, making depth a clear concern.
Doué gives manager Carles Martínez Novell a younger and more athletic alternative. He is capable of defending aggressively while also pushing forward, which should suit a Leverkusen side that wants its full-backs to contribute in possession and attack.
His arrival could therefore change how the team handles the right side, particularly during a season when Leverkusen will need greater squad depth across multiple competitions.
From €6m to €37.5m in Two Years
The Guéla Doué transfer fee also tells an interesting story about Strasbourg’s player-development model. Strasbourg signed Doué from Rennes for around €6 million in 2024. Just two years later, they are set to receive €30 million upfront, with another €7.5 million available through bonuses.
That represents a huge return on the original investment and continues a busy summer of player sales at Strasbourg. Doué is the latest important departure after players including Valentin Barco, Diego Moreira and Abdoul Ouattara. The club’s BlueCo ownership model has increasingly focused on developing young talent and selling players for significant profits.
What to Expect From Doué at Leverkusen
Guéla Doué’s move to Bayer Leverkusen gives the defender his biggest club opportunity yet. His 24 appearances for Ivory Coast also mean he arrives with international experience rather than being viewed purely as a prospect.
The biggest question will be how quickly he adapts to the Bundesliga and Leverkusen’s demands. At €37.5 million, expectations will be high.
If he settles quickly, Doué could become more than a squad player. He has the physical qualities, attacking instincts and experience to compete for a regular starting role.
