Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen have swooped to bring experienced goalkeeper Mark Flekken back to the Bundesliga, the 31-year-old Netherlands international joining the Werkself on a three-year deal from English Premier League side Brentford.
A former mainstay at Freiburg before making a move to England with the Bees in 2023, Flekken previously gained plenty of playing experience in Germany after joining the Alemannia Aachen youth set-up as a 16-year-old. Spells at Greuther Fürth and Duisburg followed for the 6'4" custodian, before Freiburg came calling in 2018.
Amassing 80 Bundesliga appearances and 26 shut-outs across five seasons at Freiburg, Flekken was part of the Christian Streich-led side that qualified for the UEFA Europa League and enjoyed a run to the 2022 DFB Cup final.
"Mark exudes an impressive physical presence, and in footballing terms he has certainly been one of the best keepers in the Premier League over the past two years," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He knows the Bundesliga from his successful time in Freiburg. His years in England and his role in the Dutch national team have also given Mark a great deal of international experience."
Flekken was almost ever-present for Brentford in their previous two Premier League campaigns, the goalkeeper missing just two top-flight games in two seasons. Along with a distinguished club career, he has also won eight senior caps with the Netherlands and was part of the Dutch squad that took part at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany last year.
The shot-stopper says he is now looking forward to competing in the Bundesliga once more, under compatriot and new Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag: "It's another special career step. I'm really happy to be able to have the chance to play for a top German and European club. I love the Bundesliga and, of course, I'm looking forward to competing in the [UEFA] Champions League with the Werkself."
Flekken's arrival at Bayer 04 will provide Lukáš Hrádecký and Matěj Kovář with plenty of competition as the 2023/24 Bundesliga and DFB Cup double-winners get ready to begin a new era after Xabi Alonso's recent departure.