Back
27.08.2023Bayer 04

New winger for the Werkself: Bayer 04 sign Nathan Tella

Bayer 04 have signed the English player Nathan Tella. The winger, who can play on both flanks or as an attacking midfielder, joins the Werkself from English Championship side Southampton and he will wear the number 19 shirt at Leverkusen.
crop_DSC_5769.jpg

The 1.73 metre tall Tella went out on loan at the start of last season from Premier League club Southampton, who were then relegated from England's top flight, to Burnley in the Championship. Under coach Vincent Kompany, Tella played a key role in the Clarets winning the Championship title and gaining promotion before his return to Southampton.

Rolfes: "fast winger who can score"

The 24-year-old has signed a contract at Bayer 04 to 30 June 2028 and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes sees the signing as filling another important position in the squad: "We have gained a fast winger who can score, who brings experience with him but also has the potential to develop," said Rolfes. "Nathan gives our attack additional versatility and he will strengthen our team with his pace and quality on the pitch."

For Tella, who scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 45 games for Burnley, the move to Germany is a big step: "Lots of young players from the Premier League have had the chance to play in the Bundesliga and were able to improve significantly here. And I find the stadiums and the whole fan culture exciting," revealed the Englishman, who played three league games for Southampton this season, scoring once and providing one assist.

TELLA: "impressive team"

"Above all, the Leverkusen team is obviously the reason for my decision," said Tella. "They are an impressive team who reached the semi-finals in the Europa League last season. I really want to continue on that road with Bayer 04."

 

Related News

Edmond Tapsoba mit Fernando Carro und Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 29.04.2026

Contract until 2031: Defensive ace Edmond Tapsoba commits long-term to Bayer 04

Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.

Show more
04 Fragen an Edmond Tapsoba | Vertragsverlängerung nach Doku-Premiere
Werkself-TV - 29.04.2026

Tapsoba on his contract extension until 2031: 'A very special day for me'

A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...

Show more
Preview zur Doku „Fierté Burkinabè“
Bayer 04 - 28.04.2026

Emotional preview of ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ - Tapsoba's parents and close companions from Burkina Faso also at the BayArena

This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.

Show more
Thomas Eichin, Carolin Simon und Achim Feifel
Women - 28.04.2026

Former Germany international Carolin Simon rejoins Bayer 04

Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Achim Feifel mit Lobke Loonen
Women - 27.04.2026

Bayer 04 Women sign Dutch striker Lobke Loonen

Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.

Show more