Tenth access up to 23 years
© Imago
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has hired foreign strikers Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar and remains loyal to his youth course. The 21-year-old is the tenth player up to a maximum of 23 years, who signed the Werkelf this season-in his case a contract until 2030. Only the goalkeeper Mark Flekken (32) and Janis Blaswich (34) have so far broken the rule, with central defender Loïc Badé (25) that could soon be another professional.
According to reports, Poku costs 10 million euros in basic reductions, which can rise to 12 million euros due to bonuses. This would make the Dutch U21 international as expensive as his future team-mate Ibrahim Maza (19), who changed the exit clause from Hertha BSC under the Bayer Kreuz.
Bayer Leverkusen’s newcomer Poku can “barely wait” Bundesliga
“Ernest Poku is an excellent rail player who will set special accents on our offensive with his speed and dribble strength,” said Bayer’s sports manager Simon Rolfes on Tuesday about the newcomer. “He is tricky and assertive, with its pace and dynamics, Ernest expands our football opportunities enormously.” The player himself said: “Now I can hardly wait to make the leap to Leverkusen to the Bundesliga. This is a big club, a Champions League club! I am happy that Bayer 04 gives me this opportunity.”
The Poku born in Hamburg was trained at AZ from 2019, in 2023 he made the leap to the professionals, for which he ran 78 times and was directly involved in 19 goals. He is described as a clear winger who has enormous speed. Especially because of the second aspect, he is seen as a replacement for Jeremie Frimpong (24), which has switched to Liverpool for 40 million euros. According to the “kicker”, Poku in the 3-4-3 system could act as a very offensive right-wing rail player. In the TM community, it was rather discussed in advance that he could replace the candidate for departure Amine Adli (25).
The expenses for all access to Poku as well as the record transfers Jarell Quansah (22) and Malik Tillman (23) with a transfer fee of EUR 35 million each increase to over 115 million euros. Bayer has never invested so much in a transfer window and at least three players should still come according to the “picture”: Badé, a ten and an offensive player for the half -spaces. Maghnes Akliouche (23, Monaco) is considered a desired solution there. The high expenses are also offset by record income of EUR 208.5 million.