There was Stade Rennais. Then there was LOSC. During the last summer transfer window, Martin Terrier was flirted with by his exes. The 29-year-old Frenchman was not necessarily against returning to France in order to get off on the right foot. Because these last few months have not always been easy for the native of Armentières. Recruited by Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million in the summer of 2024, the striker wanted to take a new step in his career after having only known the French elite, from Lille to Rennes, via Strasbourg and Lyon. On the other side of the Rhine, he started his first season with 2 goals and 2 assists on the clock. All in 20 matches. Only 20 because the French player was betrayed by his body. First there were two injuries. They kept him away from the field for 20 days (5 missed matches).
Cascading injuries
Then came a rupture of the right Achilles tendon in January 2025. A huge blow for Terrier, who missed 269 days of competition and 31 matches. Which is not ideal, especially when you have just arrived at a club. “It’s a big blow for Martin and also for us as a club. But we will support him as much as we can.”had also recognized the German sports director, Simon Rolfes. After the operation and rehabilitation, the former OL player returned to the field on October 18, 2025 against Mainz in the Bundesliga. Substitute, he played 14 minutes. Enough to score a goal. He added others since he scored a total of 5 goals and provided 1 assist in 24 matches during the 2025-26 financial year.
But he ended the season in the infirmary due to an ischio injury (116 days of absence, 8 missed matches). He was also stopped for a few days in February, but for a minor injury (4 days, 1 missed match). Once on his feet, Martin Terrier had to manage a lively transfer window. In France, we have not forgotten his qualities. Especially not Bruno Genesio, who managed him in several clubs. But OM was unable to join the race for his signature. LOSC and Rennes fought. None won. Terrier stayed in Germany. After a small physical problem during the summer (11 days of absence, 1 missed match), he left for a new season in Leverkusen. For now, he has to make do with crumbs. Indeed, he only has 2 appearances this season (75 minutes of play).
Hungry play time
The first dates from September 12 against Augsburg in the championship (14 minutes played). The last, on September 16 against Celje in the Europa League (61 minutes). For the rest, if we put his injury aside, he remained on the bench against Leipzig without coming into play. His situation is necessarily worrying. Journalist for Football TransfersTristan Bernert tells us more. “I think when Terrier arrived at Leverkusen the club was aiming for immediate results. He had just won the championship with Xabi Alonso and was looking for operational players straight away, without the need for a development period. This is undoubtedly why the club recruited him, while Leverkusen generally relies more on young talents. At the time, the team was playing with Florian Wirtz, the superstar. The player alongside him often changed, even during the title season, because no one managed to establish themselves indisputably as a starter. »
He continues: “maybe it was hoped that Terrier would become that partner, but it never really worked out. His preferred position is undoubtedly that of left side attacker, but this role was occupied by Wirtz. He fought for his place, alternating between the starting XI and the bench. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t exceptional. He then suffered a few minor injuries before rupturing his Achilles tendon in January 2025. When he returned, Wirtz was gone, but Terrier still failed to establish himself permanently as a starter. He was injured again in the final weeks of the season and started the current season with a new injury.
A bargain to grab this winter
The German journalist adds: “Bad luck with injuries clearly played a role in his struggles at Leverkusen, but it is not the only explanation. He had four coaches during his time at the club (although he was injured throughout Ten Hag’s tenure) and none started him regularly. I would say that his sporting qualities are… correct, nothing more. He’s athletic, but not exceptional. He knows how to dribble a little, but without much control. He can shoot, but is not a clinical finisher. His technique is good, but not brilliant. He’s the kind of rotation player that you can integrate into the team to get a decent performance, but without expecting him to change the course of a match. In addition, Leverkusen is once again focusing on the development of young talents, which further complicates its situation.
Under contract until 2029, Terrier is not a strong starter this season. Which could precipitate his departure. In Germany, he is expected to change clubs soon. “As for why he didn’t leave this summer… I don’t know, but I expected him to leave. There were even articles about him in Germany saying he was about to leave for France, but that didn’t happen. I don’t know why. But in my opinion, he will definitely leave next summer, maybe even this winter. Well, who knows?”asks Tristan Bernert. After rumors of departure in the winter and summer of 2026, the French striker, valued at €8 million by transfermarktrisks still being talked about in January 2027 if his case does not improve. There is no doubt that French teams will still be there to come to his rescue.
