Rayan Zidane has signed his first professional contract with Bayer Leverkusen, committing the 17-year-old midfielder to the German club until 2028.
The agreement follows a series of impressive performances for Leverkusen’s under-17 side, where Zidane attracted the attention of the club’s senior figures. He has now progressed to the Under-19 team while also taking part in training sessions with the first team.
Ayman Dahmani, Zidane’s agent, told Maghreb-Foot that offering a professional contract at such an early stage reflected Bayer Leverkusen’s intention to develop the player over the long term.
Zidane’s progress is being managed carefully, however. The club is reportedly limiting his involvement with the first team, a policy designed to protect the teenager while also reducing the risk of attracting interest from potential suitors.
His development has also been affected by a medical issue linked to his physical growth. That constraint slowed his progress during the past few months, adding to the reasons for Leverkusen’s cautious approach.
The teenager’s emergence represents another developing Algerian connection at the club, where Ibrahim Maza is already making an impression. Zidane, who holds both German and Algerian nationality, is understood to favour representing Algeria at international level.
Algeria preferred for international career
Dahmani has contacted the Algerian Football Federation regarding the player’s international future. Zidane’s family is also encouraging him to choose the North African nation.
The agent acknowledged that moving into African football would require a period of adjustment, but said the preference for Algeria had been clearly identified. The decision would see Zidane turn towards his Algerian heritage despite having been born into the German football system.
For now, his club career remains the immediate priority. His promotion to the Under-19 squad, combined with regular exposure to first-team training, gives Leverkusen control over the next stage of his development.
The German club are preparing to play Mainz in their fifth Bundesliga fixture. That match will take place as Zidane continues to work towards a greater role at senior level, although his current involvement with the first team remains limited.
