Atletico Madrid Eyes Bayer Leverkusen's Maza Amidst Stiff Resistance

Atletico Madrid have gone back to an old obsession.

Diego Simeone wants fresh legs and fresh ideas in midfield, and at the top of his list is once again Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old Algerian playmaker, Maza. The Spanish club have already moved from admiration to action.

According to Bulinews, Atletico’s sporting chiefs have contacted Leverkusen to formally register their interest. The response from Germany? A firm stance. Leverkusen do not plan to open the door.

And they have reasons to be stubborn.

Maza has rapidly turned from promising youngster into one of the most coveted midfielders of his age group. Leverkusen paid a reported €12 million to sign him from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025. Since then, his value has exploded. With a contract running until June 2030, any club trying to tempt him away now is looking at a price tag in the region of €70 million.

Atletico know this story well. As beIN Sports journalist Hafid Derradji revealed, the Madrid side had already tried to get ahead of the curve, tabling a €35 million offer while Maza was still at Hertha. That bid was swiftly rejected, but the rejection didn’t cool their interest. They simply kept watching.

Now they are seeing what they feared: a breakout season.

Maza has nailed down a starting spot at Leverkusen and is no longer just a prospect. He is a reference point. One goal and two assists in just four starts underline his impact, with only an illness keeping him out of the club’s Europa League opener. For a 20-year-old, those are not just encouraging numbers. They are a statement.

Naturally, Atletico are not alone.

Arsenal and Manchester City both showed concrete interest in the summer, testing Leverkusen’s resolve. The answer from the BayArena was unambiguous: the 20-year-old was not for sale. No negotiations. No discount. No exit.

So Leverkusen have changed gear. If they can’t stop the suitors from circling, they can at least build higher walls.

Bild reports that the German club are already working hard on a new contract for Maza, one that would extend his stay beyond 2030 and reflect his new status in the squad. Talks with his representatives began last week. There is no agreement yet, but the intent is crystal clear.

Leverkusen want to turn admiration into commitment.

The proposed deal includes a major salary upgrade, a significant step up from the €3 million per season he currently earns. It is both a reward and a warning: the club are ready to pay like a heavyweight to keep their midfield maestro.

Atletico have made their move. Arsenal and Manchester City are watching. Leverkusen are digging in.

The next signature Maza puts on a contract could shape not just his career, but the balance of power in Europe’s midfield market for years to come.