Mio Backhaus, the 22-year-old goalkeeper of German traditional club Werder Bremen, is increasingly attracting attention in the transfer market. Born to a German father and a Japanese mother, he has played 31 league matches this season as the undisputed starter, delivering a series of outstanding saves that have significantly contributed to the club’s survival in the Bundesliga.
Now, Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly joining the race for the highly rated shot-stopper, who is also being tipped for a call-up to the Japan national team. According to reports from ‘Bulinews’, “Leverkusen has joined the race to sign goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, with competition from Brighton, Inter, Milan, Freiburg, and Newcastle United.”
The outlet added, “Backhaus is reportedly open to a summer move, with several clubs already making moves to secure the 22-year-old. ‘Sky Germany’ reports that Leverkusen is the latest club to enter the race for his signature. According to Sky, Werder Bremen is prepared to enter negotiations with any club that wants to advance concrete talks.”
The fact that Serie A champions Inter and Italian giants AC Milan have also shown interest underscores just how highly regarded Backhaus is as a goalkeeper.