Jonas Hofmann is planning beyond Bayer Leverkusen rather than toward retirement. The 35-year-old wants another two or three years in the game, with a move abroad — potentially to Major League Soccer — among the options as his Leverkusen spell approaches its final nine months.
Key takeaways
- Hofmann rejected a summer move to Saudi club Al-Shabab.
- He became a father for the second time on Wednesday, welcoming another son.
- Bayer beat third-tier Fortuna Köln 6-0 in Friday’s friendly.
- Hofmann set up Patrik Schick from a corner, while Martin Terrier scored twice.
- Nathan Tella returned from a multi-week absence and scored.
Hofmann looking for a new experience
Hofmann asked to play around 30 minutes against Fortuna Köln despite the family news. “The coach left it up to me whether I wanted to come, but I needed to get out a little and move my legs,” he said.
The former Germany international joked that he was “working on the football team” after the birth of his second son. His focus remains firmly on playing. “I am not at the end yet,” Hofmann said. “Perhaps here in Leverkusen, but I will definitely continue.”
An offer from Al-Shabab was available in the summer, but Hofmann decided not to take it. He said the decision was not mainly driven by private or family considerations. “In the end, not everything came together,” he explained.
He can imagine leaving Germany when his Bayer period ends. “We can very much imagine going abroad,” he said, pointing to the chance to enjoy a different stage of life and football. The MLS is one possible destination. “It could also be across the ocean. I want to do something completely different, see something new and have an adventure.”
Hofmann is unsure whether clubs in Germany would pursue a 35-year-old, but he has no intention of stopping soon. “When I listen to myself, I want to play for another two or three years,” he said.
Competition at Bayer remains high
Hofmann, part of Bayer’s 2024 domestic double-winning side and under contract until 2027, has become a reserve option in Leverkusen. He accepts the situation more calmly than he did during Xabi Alonso’s final weeks at the club.
“There is a lot of competition. There are many players,” Hofmann said. “But I am relaxed. I know what awaits me here.”
He insists neither his age nor reduced minutes have altered his approach. “Nobody can say that I am not giving everything in training, as I did years ago,” he said. “The ambition is the same as it was 15 years ago. I have to keep hoping that the work in training will be rewarded. At the moment, that has not really happened.”
Friday’s friendly offered a small opening. Hofmann delivered the corner for Schick’s goal in the 6-0 win, while Terrier stood out with two goals and Tella marked his comeback with a finish.
