Back
27.08.2023Bayer 04

Profile of new signing Nathan Tella

Welcome to Bayer 04, Nathan. Attacking all-rounder Nathan Tella moves under the Bayer Cross from English second-tier club Southampton. The 24-year-old Englishman with Nigerian heritage has signed a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2028. Bayer04.de presents a more detailed profile of the impressive right-footed dribbler who can play up front as well as on the wings.
crop_DSC_6059.jpg

From Britain to Leverkusen: Nathan Tella, who will wear the number 19 shirt for the Werkself, is leaving England for the first time for his move under the Bayer Cross. The young forward grew up in Stevenage, a town 43 kilometres north of London. He moved to the UK capital when he had the opportunity to play in the Arsenal youth system. Tella progressed through all the youth teams at the Gunners from 2007. The 1.73 metre tall winger then joined the youth set-up at Southampton in 2017.

crop_DSC_5803.jpg

first team squad and top-flight debut

Tella later moved up to the first team squad at the Saints and he soon made his debut in the Premier League. He came on as a substitute against Norwich City in the 2019/20 season on 19 June 2020. The then 19-year-old had his first taste of top-flight football in England – his first minutes proved to be successful as Southampton won the away game 3-0.

Tella made 18 league appearances the following season and 14 in the campaign after that. The versatile wizard on the wing then moved on to gain more time on the pitch in 2022/23 in a season-long loan to Burnley, relegated from the Premier League the previous season, in the EFL Championship, the second tier in English football. A stroke of fortune for the Clarets as it turned out. Burnley, with Tella, went straight back up as second division champions and the attacking all-rounder made a significant contribution with his 22 goal involvements in 39 league games. His impressive performances earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.

 

 

crop_NT_02.jpg

return to the Saints – move to leverkusen

Burnley were promoted back to the Premier League for the 2023/24 season – but without Tella. The 24-year-old returned to Southampton in the summer at the end of his loan with the club now relegated from England's top flight. Tella played three league games for the Saints this season, scoring once and providing one assist. But now he has answered the call of the Bundesliga and Bayer 04. He can now look forward to once again playing in the top-flight at Leverkusen…

 

Related News

Frauen beenden Saison nach Niederlage gegen Bremen auf Platz fünf | 26. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 17.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Niederlage zum Saisonabschluss für die Werkself
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 Women finish season in fifth after defeat to Bremen

Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.

Show more
Sofie Zdebel and Achim Feifel
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 agree contract extension with U23 international Sofie Zdebel ahead of schedule

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.

Show more
Patrik Schick
Bundesliga - 17.05.2026

Werkself review #B04HSV: ‘Small details that make the difference at this level’

After the final whistle in the home match against Hamburger SV, it showed once again that the Bayer 04 community sticks together. The team thanked the fans for their great support in a season with highs and lows and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Black and Reds will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. The last Werkself review in 2025/26 has all the analysis.

Show more
Ibrahim Maza gegen den HSV
Bundesliga - 16.05.2026

Werkself finish Bundesliga in sixth place after 1-1 draw with Hamburg

Bayer 04 could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg in the final game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they finish in sixth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Patrik Schick missed a first-half penalty before Fabio Vieira put the visitors ahead on the hour. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header in the 79th minute earned a point to finish the campaign.

Show more