Came from Alkmaar for 10 million
© Imago
Ernest Poku (21) is one of Bayer Leverkusen’s ten entrances that are 21 or younger. The Werkelf transferred 10 million euros to AZ Alkmaar for the Dutch right wing – three weeks after his arrival, his trainer was released. “The fact that Erik Ten Hag was a coach at Bayer Leverkusen definitely played a major role in changing there. It is my first adventure abroad, and I found it pleasant to come to a club where a completely Dutch coaching team works,” said Poku in an interview with “Voetbal International”. “Now everything is going a little differently than expected. That is part of football.”
Bayer provided the first bang on the Deadline Day with the separation of Ten Hag. “Like everyone, I was shocked at first. I had already seen something on social media in the morning, and when I arrived in the club, it was told to us players by the club management,” said Poku. “I felt no tensions in the club and was just as surprised as everyone in the Netherlands. Perhaps this is also because I don’t follow the German media.”
The U21 international takes it sporty: “For me, not much changes: I just have to work hard and show myself-no matter who coach is.” The Werkelf is available on the right outer track: the more offensive Nathan Tella (26) and Poku as well as the more defensive Arthur (22) and newcomer Lucas Vázquez (34). The latter comes with the experience of 402 games for Real Madrid.
“I came to Bayer Leverkusen with the aim of first showing myself through substitutes and good training performances – not with the expectation of being a regular player. Of course I want to work it up at some point, but I have to work my up,” said Poku, who is still looking for an accommodation almost four weeks after his transfer.
“I’m still in the hotel at the moment, but I will soon move to an apartment with my girlfriend. That will certainly work well. I understand a little German – I was born in Hamburg and lived there until my sixth or seventh year before we moved to Amsterdam.”
Poku: “Nobody can stop me once I have started”
Poku was presented as a newcomer on August 12th and was on August 10, when his transfer was clear, in the Eredivisie for Alkmaar in the starting eleven and said goodbye to FC Groningen with a template. “If I had got an injury, everything would have been over, right? But Az just means a lot to me … I played there in the youth, made the breakthrough in the professional team and experienced many wonderful moments. I love everyone in the club, and if you ask myself if I still want to make this game, then I don’t do a big thing there.”
Sports Managing Director Simon Rolfes said about the 10 million access: “Ernest Poku is an excellent rail player who will set special accents on our offensive with his speed and dribble strength.” Poku is also proud of his pace: “I always knew that my speed is a real pound that nobody can stop me when I was going on. That’s why I always had the confidence that I could do it and eventually ended up with a professional club.”