Oct 28, 2026 9:13 PM

The French giants have cooled their pursuit of the Algerian playmaker, handing Bayer Leverkusen a vital window to secure their rising star’s future through an improved long-term contract.

Bayer Leverkusen have received a significant boost in their efforts to keep Ibrahim Maza, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly ruling out a move for the Algerian international during the January transfer window.

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, PSG have no intention of submitting a winter offer for the 20-year-old, with the club's decision-makers internally considering the matter settled.

The update comes just days after Sky Germany reported that PSG had communicated their interest to Maza's representatives and were even considering a January approach.

While the French champions may still admire the midfielder, the latest information suggests Die Werkself will not have to worry about an immediate offer from Paris.

Related stories

PSG's January Plans Take An Unexpected Turn

Earlier this week, Sky Germany reported that PSG were closely monitoring Maza's situation, raising the possibility of a transfer during the upcoming winter window.

However, Fabrice Hawkins' latest information paints a different picture.

PSG are reportedly open to signing a young player with significant development potential in January, but only if the financial conditions are favourable.

The club are not exclusively searching for an attacker, suggesting that their recruitment plans remain flexible rather than focused on a specific position.

Crucially, Maza is not currently expected to be the subject of a winter bid.

The contrasting reports do not necessarily mean PSG have abandoned their interest altogether. Their position could change ahead of the summer transfer window, but a January approach now appears unlikely.

Leverkusen Gain Breathing Room In Contract Negotiations

The development comes at an important moment for Leverkusen, which is trying to secure Maza's future with an improved contract. Negotiations for an early extension are underway, according to our sources, but an agreement is not imminent, and talks could continue for some time.

Maza's current deal runs until June 2030, meaning the German side is under no immediate contractual pressure to sell.

Nevertheless, the interest from Europe's leading clubs has given the situation greater urgency.

PSG stepping away from a January move would allow Leverkusen to continue negotiations without the immediate prospect of a winter offer disrupting their plans.

That does not guarantee an agreement, particularly if other interested clubs decide to become more active.

Maza's Growing Importance Makes His Future A Priority

Maza has established himself as an important attacking option under Carles Martínez, contributing three goals and three assists in his opening ten appearances of the season.

The Algerian's development has been particularly noticeable in his willingness to carry possession into dangerous areas rather than simply look for the safest passing option.

Operating as an attacking midfielder, Maza frequently receives on the half-turn and drives towards the opposition's defensive line, using changes of direction to create shooting opportunities or draw defenders away from teammates.

His goal and assist in Leverkusen's 2-1 victory over Freiburg provided another example of his increasing influence in the final third.

For Martínez, retaining Maza is not merely about protecting the club's investment in a promising youngster. The midfielder is already contributing regularly to Bayer's attack, making his potential departure a sporting concern as well as a financial decision.

PSG's reported decision removes one possible January threat, but Leverkusen still faces the challenge of convincing Maza that his long-term ambitions can be fulfilled at the BayArena.

For now, the club have gained valuable time to make that case.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableAn AI/DeFi-powered Enterprise Media Operating System. Learn more at Roundtable.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy