Jonas Hofmann set for Gladbach return as Bayer Leverkusen career starts with promise

So soon after parting ways with Borussia Mönchengladbach, midfield maestro Jonas Hofmann is eyeing an emotional return to his former surroundings as a Bayer Leverkusen player.

With the teams set to meet in a mouthwatering Matchday 2 duel at the always atmospheric Borussia-Park this weekend, Hofmann will grace the pitch where he was rightly hailed a hero in his seven-and-a-half seasons with the Foals. The 31-year-old – who penned a four-year deal with Leverkusen in early July – will no doubt enjoy a warm, pre-kick off welcome at his former home on Saturday.

However, once the action gets underway, the attacker’s 48 goals and 51 assists in 214 games across all competitions for Gladbach will mean little to the home fans who will be baying for three points against their Rhineland derby rivals.

Arriving at Die Fohlen during the mid-point of the 2015/16 season, Hofmann excelled after never quite fitting in at Thomas Tuchel’s Borussia Dortmund. So often a game-changing presence for Gladbach, the highly versatile midfielder played his way into the Germany senior side under former coach Joachim Löw. A reliable, attack-minded presence and set-piece specialist, Hofmann’s attention was caught by a former on-field opponent in Xabi Alonso this summer, and the prospect of a new adventure at Leverkusen under the Spanish tactician proved too tempting to turn down for the club’s new No.7.

“There were several [reasons I chose to join Bayer]: firstly because of European football, that’s a huge draw for me, especially given that I play for the national team,” Hofmann told bundesliga.com. “It’s important to play in Europe and that possibility was there at Leverkusen.