Bayer Leverkusen missed out on a Champions League spot for a third time in four campaigns as they ended up just short of a fourth place finish after an inconsistent campaign, especially in the first half of the season.
Bayer showed their quality on occasions but struggled to put up consistent performances, managing only eight victories in the first half of the campaign. Their form improved at the turn of the year, propelled by some good displays by Kai Havertz who ended the season as the top scorer with 12 goals while Kevin Volland also pitched in with 10 goals and seven assists.
Coach Peter Bosz struggled to decide on a settled offense with Leon Bailey losing his place in the lineup while new signings Paulinho and Moussa Diaby along with Karim Bellarabi struggled to impress. There were selection issues at the back as well with Wendell and Jonathan Tah both failing to hold on to their place in the starting lineup while injuries meant that Lars Bender was limited to just 16 starts.
Bayer could be forced to part ways with another key player before the new season kicks off with speculation rising over Havertz's future while Bailey is also a target for a number of European clubs and Bosz could have a rebuilding job to do if Bayer are to put up a successful challenge for a top four spot next season
