Seeing his path to become a starter at Manchester United blocked by the purchases of André Onana and Altay Bayindir, Matej Kovar decided he needed a new club.
One was found for him, with Bayer Leverkusen coming forward to sign him in a €5m deal, but the Red Devils made sure to include a buy-back clause, just in case they need him down the line.
This is something the former Manchester United player isn’t thinking about, however, revealing as much to Sport.cz while on duty with the Czech Republic team.
Asked whether he had received any sign from the Premier League club regarding them bringing him back, he said: “No, I haven’t. It’s important for me to start playing regularly and establish myself at Leverkusen. Then we’ll see what happens.”
With 15 appearances to his name under Xabi Alonso this season, the 23-year-old admits that he would rather be playing more, but he knows he has a long way to go and will remain patient.
He said: “If I said I was happy with that position, something would be wrong. Every player wants to play, of course I do too, but the team is playing well, Lukas Hradecky is doing a great job. I take the situation as it is. When I get the opportunity, I try to show the manager that I’m ready.”
As for whether leaving Manchester United for the Bundesliga club was a good move, Kovar is adamant he wouldn’t have done it any other way, as he knows he is playing more than he would have been at Old Trafford.
Does that mean he has forgotten his former club? No, he hasn’t.
Kovar added: “They’re still my favourite. I spent a lot of years at the club. When I get the chance, I watch them. United are having a tough season, they’re on a rollercoaster of results, but it’s a big and great club, I hope they get back on top.”
