Amiri joins the Werkself

"Thanks to his pace, determination, keen desire to get into the box and outstanding technical abilities, Nadiem Amiri is exactly the type of player we've been looking for," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "The fact he's already been in teams alongside players like Kerem Demirbay, Jonathan Tah, Mitchell Weiser and Kevin Volland will definitely help him to fit into our team quickly."

"We've been interested in Nadiem Amiri for a long time," declared Rudi Völler, sporting managing director at Bayer 04, before adding: "His performances at the U21 European Championships once again confirmed our belief that he will be able to help us given the large number of games in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Champions League."

‘Exactly the right, next step'

The new Leverkusen signing Amiri, who will wear the number 11 shirt for the Werkself, helped Germany go through to the final of the U 21 European Championships in Italy and San Marino in June with two goals and an assist in the semi-finals. The Germany U21 player, with 24 caps to date, scored in the 2-1 defeat to Spain. Amiri has played 106 games in the Bundesliga so far and has been involved in 24 goals. On top of that, he has made five appearances and scored one goal on the European stage.

For the 22-year-old, the move to Leverkusen is "exactly the right, next step. Of course, I'm very much looking forward to being able to play in the Champions League in the coming season. But I’m more interested in the team: The squad is very good with lots of young and talented players plus experienced pros you can learn from and work with," said Amiri. "I always really enjoy watching Bayer 04. They play attacking and attractive football with lots of possession and quick counter-attacks. That suits my game. I want to play my part in seeing the positive development continue."