
The 20-year-old is in the 'Up-and-coming group' behind Christian Pulisic (Dortmund), Thomas Müller (Bayern), Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg) and Serge Gnabry (Bremen). The two Bayern wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery plus Dortmund's Ousmane Dembelé are the only players named in the 'International class'.
The Kicker assessment of Julian Brandt reads: "Brandt, with his seven assists at the the Rio Olympics, played a key role in securing the silver medal for Germany. The quick technician has now found his feet in the league. Ever stronger since matchday ten with his goals and assists." Karim Bellarabi, who took third spot in the 'International' class in the summer of 2016, has not been considered this time round as he missed the whole of the first half of the season due to injury.
In the 'Strikers' category Chicharito was named amongst 'The prospects'. Kevin Volland is missing from the rankings due to a broken hand and muscle injury that has severely limited his number of appearances.


The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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