Bayer Leverkusen sign goalkeeper Flekken from Brentford

Bayer Leverkusen have made Mark Flekken the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, acquiring the goalkeeper from Brentford for a reported fee of €10million (£8m) plus add-ons.

Leverkusen are building towards their first campaign under former Ajax and Manchester United boss Ten Hag after seeing Xabi Alonso leave for Real Madrid.

Lukas Hradecky played in 29 of their 34 Bundesliga games last season, with Matej Kovar appearing in the other five.

However, Hradecky turns 36 in November and only has one year left on his contract, causing Leverkusen to swoop for 31-year-old Netherlands international Flekken.

Flekken, who joined Brentford from Freiburg in 2023 and made 74 Premier League appearances in two seasons in west London, has signed a three-year contract with Leverkusen.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "Mark has proven to be a seamless replacement for David Raya, who set an extremely high standard during his years with us.

"We were expecting Mark to be our goalkeeper for many more years.

"However, when Bayer Leverkusen made it known that they wanted to do this transfer, and Mark made it clear that he was interested in moving closer to home and with a possibility of Champions League football, we turned our attention towards how all parties could make this happen.

"Mark has done a great job for us and leaves with our thanks and support."

Flekken kept seven clean sheets in the English top flight last season. Among all goalkeepers to make more than five appearances, only Chelsea's Robert Sanchez (73.23%) bettered his save percentage of 73.17%.

Brentford are expected to replace Flekken with Caoimhin Kelleher, with the Bees reportedly close to a £18m deal to sign the Liverpool back-up.