Bayer Leverkusen apparently rejected a lucrative multi-million euro offer from the English Premier League during the final stages of the transfer window. This had consequences for Bundesliga rival VfB Stuttgart.

According to Bild, the Werkself turned down a 45 million euro bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for midfielder Malik Tillman on the day before deadline day.

Background: The decision-makers at Leverkusen are hoping for a sporting improvement from the 24-year-old American after his weak debut season under the Bayer cross.

Brighton, which had been pursuing Tillman for some time, looked elsewhere and ultimately found what they were looking for at VfB Stuttgart. Reported 25 million euros flowed to the Swabians for Spanish prospect Chema Andrés in the final stages of the transfer window. However, VfB reportedly must pass on around nine million euros to Andrés' former club Real Madrid.

VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth commented on the surprising deal, noting that Chema quickly established himself after his transfer from Spain to Stuttgart as a young player, and that thanks to him they were able to qualify for the Champions League and reach the cup final. He explained that the option had suddenly arisen for Chema to move to Brighton in the Premier League in the short term. From a sporting perspective, they would have liked to keep Chema, but this was countered by the player's desire to transfer.

He added that they had tied the transfer to appropriate financial conditions, which were met, so they ultimately agreed to the transfer.

VfB Stuttgart tied Andrés deal to "financial conditions"

That the Spanish U21 international was not fundamentally a candidate for removal was demonstrated by the course of the season before the end of the transfer period. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß substituted Chema Andrés in twice in two competitive matches.

And Tillman? He started in all three matches for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2026/2027 season so far.