Bayer Leverkusen land Strasbourg defender Guéla Doué
Bayer Leverkusen have snapped up highly rated Strasbourg full-back Guéla Doué, who has joined Die Werkself on a five-year deal. The Côte d'Ivoire international starred for his nation at this summer's FIFA World Cup, helping them reach the Round of 32.
Doué rose through the ranks at Stade Rennais' famous academy, going on to make his Ligue 1 debut for the club during the 2022/23 campaign.
The right-back established himself in Rennes' first team the following season, making 35 senior appearances across all competitions before joining Strasbourg in July 2024.
He quickly became an important player in Alsace, making 34 appearances in his first season and then another 34 in 2025/26, contributing two goals and seven assists as Strasbourg reached the semi-final of the UEFA Conference League.
Upon the announcement, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said, "By signing Guéla Doué, we have significantly strengthened the right-back position. We can look forward to a top-class new arrival who fits our squad perfectly."
Doué, meanwhile, "I spent two wonderful years in France with Strasbourg. But now I want to take the step into the Bundesliga and join a club that really impressed me during our talks. The team is talented and has so many great footballers - I am incredibly excited to play alongside these guys."
The 23-year-old's Leverkusen debut could come against Union Berlin on 5 September at the BayArena. Both sides are still searching for their first league win of the new season, with Union having secured a dramatic late draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 1.
