Aston Villa Enquire About Christian Kofane, But Bayer Leverkusen Have No Intention of Selling

Aston Villa have approached Christian Kofane, but Bayer Leverkusen have no plans to let the 20-year-old striker leave before the transfer window closes.

According to The Athletic, Villa have enquired about Kofane as they assess their attacking options, with the possibility of Ollie Watkins leaving for Al Hilal making another centre-forward a potential priority. For Die Werkself, however, the answer is clear: Kofane is not for sale.

That stance is understandable given how highly Leverkusen rate the Cameroon international.

Kofane only joined Leverkusen in July 2025 from Albacete, signing a contract through 2029 after a breakthrough half-season in Spain. He had scored eight goals in 20 appearances for Albacete in the Segunda División before making the jump to the Bundesliga at just 18.

His profile is why Leverkusen invested in him.

Kofane made 29 Bundesliga appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists, while also featuring 11 times in the Champions League. Across all competitions, he finished the campaign with seven goals and six assists.

Those numbers are not spectacular for a striker, but they are difficult to judge without considering his age, role, and most importantly, profile. Kofane was still adapting to top-level football and was often used from the bench, while competing with more established forwards for minutes.

The club's own description of Kofane when he arrived focused on his power, speed, technical ability, and assertiveness, a combination that gives him a profile unlike some of the other forwards in the squad.

That is precisely why selling him now would make little sense.

Leverkusen have already been reshaping their forward line throughout the summer. Ernest Poku is leaving for Beşiktaş, while Victor Boniface's future remains under discussion. At the same time, the German side is still trying to complete the return of Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad.

Kofane, however, is viewed differently.

He is not considered an expendable squad player whose departure could help solve the club's numbers problem. Bayer sees him as part of the next stage of their attack, and his development remains a priority.

There is also a financial reason to resist any approach.

Kofane is under contract until 2029, meaning Leverkusen have no immediate pressure to negotiate. More importantly, his value could rise considerably if he takes another step forward this season. Selling him now would mean potentially cashing in before the best part of his development has even begun.

For Aston Villa, the interest makes sense. Kofane has already shown that he can contribute in the Bundesliga and Champions League despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, while his physical and technical profile would suit the demands of English football.

But Villa may have picked the wrong moment to ask.

Leverkusen have no intention of selling Kofane, according to BILD, and unlike some of the other players whose futures are uncertain this summer, the young striker appears firmly part of their plans.