Bayer Leverkusen signed young winger Ernest Poku

• Ernest Poku has signed a contract with Bayer Leverkusen for five years.
• The player has already scored one goal in the new season.
• The club is undergoing restructuring after the departure of the coach and players.

Bayer Leverkusen signed fast young winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday to strengthen their Dutch connection under the guidance of new coach Erik ten Hag.

Poku can play on both flanks, and his speed drew attention in the Europa League last season. Born in Germany, he achieved the title of European champion among youth with the Netherlands.

The 21-year-old player signed a five-year contract. Leverkusen announced his signing on social media, publishing an image of the character Lightning McQueen from the movie "Cars" and a compilation of clips in which Poku appears as a defender.

"I leave defenders behind me on the sidelines," Poku said in the video. "Faster than fast. Faster than fast. I am Ernest Poku."

He has already played four matches in the 2025-26 season, scoring one goal and providing two assists, including participation in Alkmaar's qualification for the European Conference League and the start of the Dutch league last week.

Previously, the first official match for ten Hag as Leverkusen's coach will be in the German Cup on Friday, where Poku will debut against the Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flecken as a new signing. The club also signed American forward Malick Tillman from the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

This is part of a broader restructuring after the transfer of coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, while players from last season's title-winning squad, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremy Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka, remain with the club.

Mass changes are expected since forward Patrick Schick stated last month that he does not expect Leverkusen to compete for the Bundesliga title without significant signings.

Tags: Sport/Football