Bayer Leverkusen have activated clauses in both, Danny Da Costa’s (22) and Jonas Meffert’s (21) contracts.

Leverkusen inserted a clause in each contract which allowed them to bring either player back a year before their contract was up at their current clubs.

Da Costa makes his return from FC Inglostadt 04, following Tin Jedvaj’s injury leaving the club with no recognised first team right-backs. As for Meffert, the central midfielder returns from Karlsruher SC.

Da Costa's impact

Da Costa, who was a Leverkusen player in 2001 until 2012, has spent all season in the Bundesliga with Inglostadt.

The former Germany under-21 international will likely get lots of game time next season, with both Roberto Hilbert and Jedvaj having a season to forget following their injury problems.

Da Costa will prove to be a great back-up to the ageing Hilbert, as well as good competition for the ever young Jedvaj.

Da Costa has been capped 21 times in all competitons this season by the Schanzer. | Image credit: Kicker/Getty
Da Costa has been capped 21 times in all competitons this season by the Schanzer. | Image credit: Kicker/Getty

Welcomed depth

Jonas Meffert has spent his past season in the 2. Bundesliga with Karlsruher SC, he has also been capped by the Germany under-16s, under-17s and last represented his country in 2013 for the under-19s.

The defensive midfielder stands 6’1” and has been a regular for Karlsruhe throughout the season.

He joins an already packed midfield list at Leverkusen, amongst players such as: Lars Bender, Cristoph Kramer and Charlez Aranguiz. It certainly won’t be easy for Meffert to earn his way into the side. However, it will be welcome depth for die Werkself following their injury plagued season which saw both Aranguiz and Bender pick up long-term injuries.

Leverkusen will be looking to strengthen their side even more in the coming months after securing their place in the UEFA Champions League for the third season in a row, following their victory over Hertha BSC.

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About the author
Reece O Brien
18-year-old, a strong passion for German football especially Bayer 04 Leverkusen.