“Ernest Poku is a brilliant winger who can give us something special up front with his pace and dribbling ability,” said managing director sport Simon Rolfes in describing the qualities of the 21-year-old born in Hamburg. “He is tricky and assertive and with his tempo and his dynamism Ernest enormously extends our possibilities on the pitch.”
The 1.76 metre tall winger has made 14 international appearances for the Netherlands U21 team and he played 48 games for Alkmaar in the Eredivisie plus ten in UEFA Europa League. “Now I can hardly wait to join Leverkusen in the Bundesliga,” said the two-footed Poku. “It’s a big club, a Champions League club! I’m happy Bayer 04 have given me this chance.”
Bayer 04 Leverkusen continue cooperation with proven sleeve partner Talcid in the coming DFB Pokal campaign. In the current season, the famous Bayer brand – starting with the first round tie at Baden-Württemberg Regional League side SG Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday – will be displayed with the historic chameleon logo on the right sleeve of the Werkself players jerseys. Bayer 04 won the DFB Pokal for the first time in 1993 with that logo on their chests – Talcid was the official jersey sponsor of the Werkself from 1991 to 1995.
Show moreThe Werkself host Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena on Matchday 3 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Kick-off is at 20:30 CEST on Friday, 12 September. Information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself host Borussia Mönchengladbach at the BayArena on Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Kick-off is at 17:30 CEST on Sunday, 21 September. Information on ticket sales.
Show moreWelcome to Leverkusen, Janis Blaswich! Bayer 04 have signed the 34-year-old goalkeeper from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig. The 2023 DFB Cup winner has been handed a contract in Leverkusen until 2027 and will wear the number 28 jersey. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the experienced new signing, who marks a return to his home region with his move under the cross.
Show moreNew signing Axel Tape has impressed in his first friendlies for Bayer 04 with his cool approach and confidence. For the defender, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, it is the first time he has played for another club other than the Champions League winners. The Frenchman consciously decided early in his career to make the move abroad to Bayer 04. Today, Sunday, Tape celebrates his 18th birthday. Bayer04.de spoke to him about his first weeks at Leverkusen, his versatile style of play and his targets for the year ahead.
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