Bayer Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro wants to avoid selling players to Dortmund
Bayer Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro doesn't want to lose any more players to 'clubs like Borussia Dortmund'.
Bayer Leverkusen must avoid selling their top players to clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, says club CEO Fernando Carro.
'Die Werkself' wanted to keep Julian Brandt last summer, but could do nothing to prevent the midfielder from leaving when Dortmund activated the €25 million release clause in his contract.
If they want to compete with clubs like Dortmund, Leverkusen can't let something similar happen again in the future, argues Carro.
"We can't lose players to clubs like Borussia Dortmund against our will anymore," Carro said in an interview with Sport Bild.
"We have to work hard to keep our top players longer. It's not just about money, but also about success. The players need to have the conviction that they can win something here. If a player leaves for one of the top 10 clubs in Europe, I have to live with that.
"We won't be able to compete with the biggest clubs. But we have set ourselves the goal of being among the top 16 clubs in Europe. That's what we're working towards," said the Leverkusen chief.
Leverkusen are facing a battle to hold on to Kai Havertz, who has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.