Ibrahim Maza on Leverkusen move: "It just felt right"

Bayer 04 Leverkusen/X

Rising Algeria national team midfielder Ibrahim Maza could not hide the joy in his first interview since joining German Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen. The Berlin-born Algerian international spoke with the club and reflected on his breakthrough transfer from Bundesliga 2 side Hertha BSC.

"Incredible feeling. It's definitely something special here...Stadium is incredible. Pitch is incredible, club is incredible. I'm really happy," Maza said while standing on the pitch at the BayArena.

Moving from his native Berlin and club Hertha BSC to another region of Germany, Maza indicated that it was only natural to join the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions:

"From a sporting perspective, the future. I wanted to take the next step, to keep developing. I had good talks with the management. It just felt right. The club seemed great, sounded perfect."

Asked what Bayer supporters can expect from him on the pitch, Maza hoped to offer attacking contributions and a burst of creativity:

"I hope for courage and creativity. One-v-ones, joy in playing, and hopefully goals and assists."

Maza will officially join the club at the conclusion of the ongoing 2024-25 campaign. Leverkusen will have to settle for a runner-up finish with a title challenge to Bayern Munich all but out of reach. However, Maza will look to be an important addition for a title chase next season and he will certainly be thrilled to have an opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League.