Flekken consulted his wife before his transfer to Leverkusen

An unexpected phone call set the entire process in motion, as Mark Flekken himself revealed in a recent interview with German outlet Kicker.

The Dutch goalkeeper, who had been playing in the Premier League with Brentford, was not actively seeking a transfer at the time. However, his plans quickly changed when his agent reached out with surprising news. "On a Monday, I received a call from my agent who asked if I had any availability the following week. He told me that two representatives from Bayer Leverkusen wanted to meet with me personally, in London, at my home," Flekken recalled. "My first reaction was: ‘okay, wait, I need to check with my wife first.’ It was all very sudden, but intriguing."

For Flekken, the family aspect was crucial in considering any major career decision. Living in England for two years had been a rewarding experience professionally, but there were personal sacrifices, especially for his wife. "My wife is a very family-oriented person, and during our time in England, she definitely missed being closer to family and friends back on the continent," Flekken explained. "It didn’t take long for us to realize that this opportunity would allow us not just to return to Germany, where we had already lived, but also to be nearer to our loved ones."

Germany had previously been a significant chapter in Flekken’s career. Before joining Brentford, he made his name at SC Freiburg, where his performances in the Bundesliga earned him recognition both domestically and internationally. Returning to Germany, particularly to a top club like Bayer Leverkusen, represented not only a personal comfort but a professional step up. "For me, it was also a sporting decision. The chance to play at the highest level in Germany again, to compete in the Champions League, and to take the next step in my career was too good to pass up," he stated.

One of the decisive factors in Flekken’s choice was the recent appointment of Erik ten Hag as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag’s reputation precedes him, especially after his successful tenure at Ajax, where he built an exciting, dynamic team that captured European attention. "I followed Ten Hag's success at Ajax closely. The way his teams played, his emphasis on structure, discipline, and technical quality really stood out to me," Flekken said.

Interestingly, Flekken and Ten Hag have a shared history that dates back over a decade, albeit in very different circumstances. "About eleven or twelve years ago, I actually played against him," Flekken remembered. "He was coaching Bayern Munich II at the time, and I was playing for Greuther Fürth II. We never spoke directly, but we faced each other several times on the pitch. So in a way, we've known of each other for quite a while."

Once the transfer was finalized, Ten Hag wasted no time in establishing a personal connection. Flekken revealed that he received a message from the new Leverkusen manager shortly after the deal was agreed upon. "He texted me to say that it was finally time for us to work together, which made me really look forward to this new chapter," the goalkeeper shared with a smile.

The transfer itself reportedly cost Bayer Leverkusen around ten million euros a modest fee in today's market for an experienced international goalkeeper. For Leverkusen, bringing in Flekken is not just about adding a reliable presence between the posts, but also about enhancing the squad's depth and leadership as they prepare for a demanding season that includes the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.

For Flekken, this move is a homecoming of sorts a return to familiar surroundings in Germany, a reunion with the Bundesliga where he built his reputation, and a fresh challenge under one of the most respected Dutch coaches in modern football. At 31, he knows the importance of making the most of such opportunities, and with Leverkusen aiming to challenge Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund domestically, as well as make a deep run in Europe, Flekken's experience and ambition could prove invaluable.

As pre-season approaches, Flekken is eager to integrate quickly into his new team and adapt to Ten Hag’s methods. “I’m excited to see how things will develop here, both individually and collectively. I believe the club has a clear vision, and with Ten Hag at the helm, I’m confident we can achieve great things.”

With family matters settled, a top club secured, and a highly-regarded coach welcoming him, Mark Flekken’s return to Germany seems like the perfect alignment of personal happiness and professional ambition.