“Luca is a highly talented, intelligent and robust defender. We’re delighted to have completed this transfer,” said Bayer 04 managing director sport Simon Rolfes.
Erlein, who stands at 1.90 metres, has come through Hoffenheim’s youth system since joining at the age of 11, winning the league and cup double at U19 level in 2023/24. The Heidelberg native played 31 times for TSG’s second team in the 3. Liga last season, providing five assists. He made his senior debut in a 4-3 win against Anderlecht in January 2025.
He competed at this summer’s U19 Euros alongside new Leverkusen teammates Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka – currently on loan at Elversberg – as Germany finished runners-up to Spain, playing every minute of the tournament.
An overview of current ticket sales for Bayer 04 home and away matches in the 2026/27 season.
Show more
Three games, three wins: Bayer 04 secured a 2–0 victory at Greek Cup winners OFI Crete with Jonas Hofmann scoring both goals at the Pankritio Stadium, right on the Mediterranean coast (35’, 38’). As a result, the Werkself have temporarily taken over top spot in the table on Matchday 3 of the league phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Show more
'40 Years Across Europe' - and for the first time ever, Bayer 04 are travelling to Greece's biggest island for a European clash. There they'll take on OFI Crete - full name Omilos Filathlon Irakleiou (‘Association of Sports Friends of Heraklion’) - on Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase. The meeting with the Greek Cup winners kicks off at 18:45 CEST on Thursday 22 October at the Pankritio. We’ll bring you all the latest updates from the trip here…
Show more
Two games – two wins: Bayer 04 have picked up maximum points from their two matches so far in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. What's more, of their previous 14 UEL matches, Bayer 04 have lost just one. Away to OFI Crete, Carles Martínez’s side are looking to add another successful performance on the European stage to their string of impressive displays. The Greeks, for their part, have been waiting four matches for a win, but Leverkusen should be on their guard: OFI’s most recent victory came against a German side. Today's matchday news.
Show more
Ahead of Bayer 04's Europa League match away to OFI Crete in Greece, defender Jarell Quansah spoke to Werkself-TV...
Show more
