Why Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza has attracted interest from Arsenal, PSG, Man United and other top clubs

The 2026/27 Bundesliga season is only eight matchdays old, yet there are already some clear early winners. One player who has made another significant leap in his development is Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza.

Last season, the midfield talent offered flashes of his ability, though he occasionally struggled with fluctuations in form and had to adapt to unfamiliar roles, such as playing in central midfield. This is hardly surprising, given that it was the Berlin native’s first full season in the Bundesliga.

Maza has since established himself as one of the standout performers of the season so far, delivering impressive displays both as an attacking midfielder and out on the wing. 

It is therefore not surprising that the 20-year-old was voted into ninth place in the Young Talent Of The Year election and that there have recently been increasing rumors about him. Clubs including Aston Villa, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and, most notably, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keeping a close eye on him. But what exactly does he bring to the table?

Player profile

Ibrahim Maza is arguably best suited to the central attacking midfield position. In this role, the Algerian international can dictate the attacking play, set up his teammates in promising positions, and, most importantly, navigate out of tight spaces.

In such situations, he benefits from his significantly improved physical robustness, combined with quick feet and great agility. Paired with his excellent ball control and tricky dribbling, Maza is extremely difficult to dispossess, a fact he has demonstrated impressively on numerous occasions of late.

While Maza can certainly fill in as a wide player or in a deeper central midfield role, his most effective position is as a "number ten," playing just behind Patrik Schick. This is where Maza feels most at home, and he has shown impressive chemistry with the Czech forward this season.

This position also allows him to make the most of his other strengths. Although Maza is quick on his feet and capable of winning duels on the flank thanks to his dribbling ability, he is not the type of "speed-dribbler" seen in players like Lamine Yamal or Yan Diomande. Conversely, a deeper central midfield role doesn't fully play to his strengths, as his focus is primarily on the attacking phase.

Where his strengths lie

In the attacking phase this season, Maza has established himself as both an effective ball-carrier and the creative hub of Leverkusen's attack. Averaging more than three carries per match, he ranks among the best players in his position in the Bundesliga, consistently driving the play forward.

Once in the final third, his remarkable technical ability and high footballing intelligence come to the fore. Maza possesses an intuitive sense for positioning, frequently finding himself in promising scoring positions. It is no coincidence that, among all attacking midfielders, he ranks highly for both shots taken and touches inside the opposition penalty area per game.

Furthermore, from these positions, the German-Algerian is also adept at creating chances for his teammates. More than 1.4 shot assists per game and more than 0.5 smart passes per game are impressive. In addition to his two assists, he also has two pre-assists, which represents an improvement in his goal-scoring threat compared to last season.

Maza is not merely a constant nuisance who poses a direct goal threat; he also consistently demonstrates an eye for his teammates, initiating scoring opportunities and delivering decisive passes. Despite his youth, he has already become a focal point of the Leverkusen attack, regularly driving opposing defenders to distraction with his clever, inventive style of play.

Which areas does he still need to improve?

Naturally, there is still room for improvement when it comes to Ibrahim Maza. Aside from his goalscoring output and finishing efficiency, there is little to criticise about his attacking game. He is, after all, a player who can truly make the difference. The situation is different, however, when it comes to his defensive work. Maza could certainly be more tenacious, engage in more duels, and – most importantly – win them with the right level of intensity. Currently, his success rate in ground duels sits at only around 40 percent.

Furthermore, while his creativity and willingness to take risks are assets, he also needs to learn to choose the right moments for such actions. Consequently, there is room for development regarding his decision-making and the number of times he loses possession. At the same time, it is crucial not to stifle his natural joy for the game; the key lies in finding the right balance.

Arsenal, PSG or Manchester United: Which club suits Maza best?

Given his outstanding start to the season, the rumors surrounding this 20-year-old attacking gem come as no surprise. Even during his time at Hertha BSC, Maza was hailed as an exceptional talent; he is simply beginning to realize his full potential more effectively.

Fundamentally, there are several factors Maza should consider when deciding on the next step in his career. To showcase his abilities, he is best suited to a team that prioritizes possession-based football. Furthermore, the club must have a clear role for him, and he needs a realistic prospect of regular playing time. A job-sharing arrangement or a role as a backup is, in all likelihood, not a viable option for him.

Manchester United, meanwhile, may not be the ideal destination for Maza; The Reds are currently grappling with significant issues, and their style of play raises further questions. While Paris Saint-Germain’s footballing philosophy might be a good fit, it is difficult to identify a clear role for him in Luis Enrique's side. There is also speculation that PSG might be looking at Maza as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – who is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury – to play on the wing. Even though a move to PSG might sound enticing, this setup would not be ideal for Maza.

This leaves Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, things are not running entirely smoothly for the team under Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham), and with the return of Dejan Kulusevski, the presence of James Maddison, and the eventual return of Xavi Simons, there is stiff competition for his position at the club.

The competition is no less intense at Arsenal or Aston Villa. Both clubs possess a wealth of quality in the position Maza plays, meaning the 20-year-old would likely find himself having to wait for his opportunity behind other established players.

A move might still be premature

Ibrahim Maza undoubtedly has the potential to become a world-class player. If he makes the right decisions about the next steps in his career, he has every chance of reaching that level. In my view, however, none of the clubs currently linked with him offer the right environment; for this reason, I would personally advise against leaving Leverkusen too soon.

At Bayer 04, Maza receives the playing time in his preferred position that he needs for his development. It would therefore be wise for him to remain in Leverkusen at least until next summer before exploring the market for suitable options. A premature departure, by contrast, could, in the worst-case scenario, hinder his development and lead to stagnation.

That said, I believe Maza is capable of holding his own in almost any league. He possesses the necessary technical skills as well as the physical attributes that are particularly in demand in the Premier League. If he fulfils his potential, he could even realise his dream of one day being named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
 

About the author:

Florian Först is a German scouting expert and the editor-in-chief of Kickfieber.de. He specialises in player analysis and talent scouting, offering insights into the strengths, weaknesses and potential of emerging football talents.