Levante UD have announced the signing of French midfielder Axel Tape on loan from Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the season. The deal, confirmed on Tuesday as reported by Mundo Deportivo, aims to add strength and potential to the granota midfield, as the team approaches matchday 4 from 10th place in La Liga, with four points from a start of one win, one draw, and one loss.
Who is Axel Tape?
Axel Tape is a 19-year-old French footballer, born in Bondy on August 10, 2007. His football education began in the youth ranks of Bobigny before making the jump to the Paris Saint-Germain academy. It was at the Parisian club where he took his first steps in elite football, making his first-team debut on January 15, 2025, in a French Cup match against Espaly. His talent earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, where he gained experience in the Bundesliga and even made his Champions League debut, playing a total of six matches in the German top flight. Furthermore, Tape is an international for France's youth teams, having worn the blue shirt at under-18 and under-19 levels.
What does he bring to Levante's midfield?
The arrival of Axel Tape represents an injection of youth and dynamism for the Levante midfield. The team, managed by Pablo Martínez, has shown an even balance in their first three league games, with five goals scored and five conceded, highlighting a need for greater solidity in the centre of the park. Tape arrives to compete for a place in a key area, bringing freshness and the experience of having competed in two of Europe's most demanding leagues. His adaptation will be a key factor to watch in the coming weeks, especially with a fixture list that includes tough away trips.
What is the team's current context?
Levante are making this signing at a transitional point in the season. With four points on the board, the team sits five points behind leaders Real Madrid and is looking to stabilise its performance. The next fixture is a trip to La Rosaleda to face bottom-placed Málaga on September 6. This match, which you can check on our fixtures page, represents an opportunity to add points and improve their position in the standings. The squad, which you can review in detail on the squad page, needs to find more consistency to climb the table.
What is expected for his debut?
The expectation now is to see when and how Axel Tape integrates into Pablo Martínez's plans. The manager will have to decide whether to give him minutes immediately against Málaga or prefer a more gradual period of adaptation. His youth and his background at top-level clubs are his main credentials. The loan deal without a reported purchase option suggests it's a short-term bet to cover a specific need in midfield. His performance could be key for Levante to consolidate a start to the season that currently places them in mid-table.
