Everton interested in Bayer Leverkusen striker Kofane

Everton have emerged as the latest Premier League club to show interest in Bayer Leverkusen's striker, Christian Kofane. The Cameroonian striker has enjoyed a remarkable first season in the Bundesliga. According to transfer reporter Matteo Moretto, the Merseyside club has made an inquiry about the 20-year-old.

While no concrete negotiations have begun, Everton now join Arsenal and Newcastle United as English clubs linked with Kofane. The striker is under contract with Leverkusen until 2029 and is currently valued at an estimated €40 million.

Leverkusen quickly identified Kofane’s potential

Kofane's rapid ascent is particularly notable given that he only made his professional debut in January 2025. He developed in Cameroon at the AS Nylon academy before moving to Spain and joining Albacete. He scored on his senior debut against Racing Santander and went on to score eight goals in 20 appearances in the Segunda División.

Leverkusen quickly recognized the teenager's potential as a first-team player. Kofane completed his medical in June 2025, and the Bundesliga club initially planned to activate a release clause of approximately €5 million. However, the transfer was temporarily delayed due to a dispute over the payment structure.

Leverkusen eventually completed the signing in July, paying slightly more than the release clause to resolve the disagreement with Albacete. Kofane's transfer represented a record sale for the Spanish second-tier club, and his estimated market value had already significantly increased during his brief senior spell in Spain.

Kofane seized his first-team opportunity

Although a loan move was initially considered, Kofane's performance during preseason convinced Leverkusen to keep him. Sporting director Simon Rolfes praised the striker's speed, technical skill, assertiveness, and ability to play with high intensity. Kofane then benefited from significant changes in Leverkusen's attacking lineup. Victor Boniface went out on loan, and an early-season injury to Patrik Schick left the Cameroonian as the only natural center-forward available.

The young player featured in each of Leverkusen's first seven competitive matches. He recorded one goal and one assist in the DFB-Pokal and later provided an assist against Werder Bremen. Kofane's breakthrough accelerated when Schick suffered a fascia injury. Leverkusen identified the teenager as the likely replacement for the upcoming Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven and the Bundesliga fixture against Union Berlin.

Kofane scored against PSV before opening his Bundesliga account against Union. These performances solidified his position beyond emergency cover, establishing him for a significant role throughout the season. He ultimately finished with five goals and five assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances.

In total, Kofane scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Cameroon controversy preceded AFCON breakthrough

Kofane's rise also sparked considerable debate in Cameroon. He declined international call-ups in September and October to focus on establishing himself at Leverkusen. Agent Eric Depolo later defended the decision, stating that Kofane needed rest and careful management after progressing from academy football to the Bundesliga in a matter of months.

The forward eventually joined Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations and made an immediate impact. Kofane scored the winning goal against Mozambique after being handed his first start and scored again during the knockout victory over South Africa.

His performances were not just about scoring. Kofane frequently dropped deep to link play and create opportunities for teammates while operating as Cameroon's central striker.

Premier League interest in Christian Kofane intensifies

Arsenal's interest was reported in March, by which time Kofane's market value had risen from approximately €5 million to €40 million. Leverkusen were reportedly seeking between €60 million and €70 million for a player they had acquired for approximately €5.25 million less than a year prior. Newcastle has since also been mentioned as an interested party.

Everton's inquiry further demonstrates Kofane's growing reputation, although there is currently no indication of a formal offer being imminent.

Any interested club will need to contend with Leverkusen's contractual advantage and a valuation that has been transformed by one of the most dramatic Bundesliga breakthroughs of the past season.