Eliesse Ben Seghir, a young prodigy trained at AS Monaco, experienced a busy summer transfer window that could have led him to the Premier League, but it was ultimately Bayer Leverkusen that secured the deal. At 20 years old, the Moroccan international left winger was about to join Germany, choosing the convincing sporting project offered by the German club rather than a last-minute gamble attempted by Chelsea in the final hours of the transfer window.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea approached Ben Seghir shortly before the transfer deadline hoping to change his mind despite him having nearly finalized his agreement with Leverkusen. Taken by surprise, the player hesitated for a long time, feeling the appeal of the Premier League, but the sporting project and guarantees provided by Bayer Leverkusen convinced him to remain loyal to his initial decision. This choice highlights the maturity of the young talent who prioritizes long-term development.
Trained in Monaco’s youth academy, Ben Seghir made his breakthrough in Ligue 1 in the 2022-2023 season, including a decisive brace on his first start against Auxerre. His rapid rise earned him significant visibility on the European stage and major interests, notably from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain even before this transfer window. This ascent made him one of the most promising prospects of his generation.
The transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, completed for around €30 million according to several sources, marks a new chapter in his career. Under contract until 2030, Ben Seghir joins a club betting on his potential to compete at the highest level in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. It remains to be seen if the young winger will one day make the leap to the Premier League — a door he closed this summer but which could open again in the years to come.