Bayer Leverkusen announced on Wednesday that former Paris Saint-Germain defender Axel Tap has joined the club on a free transfer. According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the two sides have signed a five-year contract.

Axel Tap, who is only 17 years old, came from the youth training of Paris Saint-Germain and made his Ligue 1 debut in the match against Strasbourg on May 3, 2025. He then went back and forth between the first team and the U19 team. So far, he has played in 3 Ligue 1 games and won one championship each in the Champions League, Ligue 1 and French Cup with the team.

Tap has also played twice for the French U18 team, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

Regarding the arrival of Tap, Simon Rolfes, general manager of Leverkusen Sports, commented: "Axel Tap is an all-around defender with speed advantages, excellent physical fitness and excellent game reading ability. We believe that Axel has great potential. From a long-term perspective, signing him for free is an important part of our future lineup planning."

"I saw this as a great opportunity to improve myself earlier," said Tap. "When one of the top clubs in Germany offers you an olive branch, it's easy to choose to embark on a foreign journey."

"In recent years, Leverkusen's football style has always fascinated me. I am full of expectations and motivation, and hope to gain a foothold in Leverkusen and prove myself."