Al-Shabab eyes a deadline-busting move for the German veteran, as the Bundesliga champions prepare to waive a transfer fee to slash their significant wage bill this season.
Jonas Hofmann's future at Bayer Leverkusen remains uncertain despite the closure of the summer transfer window in most of Europe, with interest from Saudi Arabia potentially offering the former Germany international an unexpected route out of the club.
According to BILD, Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab remain seriously interested in signing Hofmann. The Riyadh-based club has identified the 34-year-old attacking player as a potential addition, and the situation could develop quickly given that the Saudi transfer window remains open until October 12.
Hofmann is still under contract with Die Werkself until June 2027, but the Bundesliga club would reportedly be willing to release him on a free transfer. This arrangement would let the player negotiate directly with Al-Shabab while also removing a significant salary commitment from Leverkusen's books.
The German club could save more than €3 million in wages if Hofmann leaves before the end of his contract.
For Hofmann, the decision is considerably more complicated.
A move to Saudi Arabia would represent both a major financial opportunity and a significant change in the final stage of his career. He is also expecting his second child with his wife, Laura, making the timing of any potential move an important personal consideration.
Hofmann has reportedly remained in contact with Al-Shabab, although the length of a potential contract in Riyadh has not yet been determined. The Saudi club is coached by German manager Thomas Letsch, who took charge in July after previous spells with clubs including Salzburg and Bochum. His presence could make the move particularly appealing to Hofmann as he considers his options.
The sporting picture at Leverkusen has become increasingly difficult for the veteran winger. His opportunities were already expected to be limited, but the arrival of Moussa Diaby has added another attacking option to a squad competing across several fronts.
Hofmann was also left out of Leverkusen's Europa League squad, an indication that the club has already considered the possibility of him leaving and has adjusted its European planning accordingly.
His situation could therefore be viewed as separate from the traditional transfer deadline.
While most major European markets have closed, Saudi Arabia's window gives Hofmann several more weeks to make a decision about his future.
New head coach Carles Martínez has not completely written him out of his plans, however. Leverkusen have suffered injuries on the wings, meaning Hofmann could still provide valuable depth during the opening weeks of the season.
It's true that there are still some transfer markets open in football. We'll see what happens in the next few days. Jonas knows that too. He's here now, training with us. We have some injury problems on the wings, so Jonas can help us.
The comments leave the door open to either outcome.
Martínez clearly recognizes Hofmann's immediate usefulness, but Leverkusen's willingness to sanction a free transfer suggests the club would not stand in his way if an agreement with Al-Shabab is reached.
For Hofmann, the next few weeks could ultimately determine whether he sees out the final year of his Die Werkself contract or takes one last major career opportunity abroad.
At 34, the Saudi option would give him the chance to secure a potentially lucrative final chapter while working under a fellow German. Staying in Leverkusen, meanwhile, would mean fighting for minutes in an increasingly competitive attacking group.
The decision now belongs largely to Hofmann. With the Saudi window still open for more than a month, his transfer story may be far from finished.
