Bayer Leverkusen Pursues Transfer of AZ Alkmaar Player, Poku - Bayer Leverkusen in Preparation for the Transfer of Alkmaar's Player, Poku
In a significant move for both Dutch and German football, Bayer Leverkusen has officially signed 21-year-old Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee of around €10 million. The transfer was confirmed in August 2025, with Poku agreeing to a five-year contract until 2030.
Born in Hamburg to Ghanaian parents, Poku honed his skills in the youth systems of FC Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar. He broke into AZ's reserve team in 2021 and caught the eye with his impressive performances, particularly at the UEFA U21 European Championships. This earned him 25 youth caps for the Netherlands.
Poku is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and dynamism on the wing. Leverkusen's sporting director praised him as a "brilliant winger" who adds speed and assertiveness to their attack.
Poku expressed his excitement about joining a Champions League club like Bayer Leverkusen and looks forward to contributing goals and assists and becoming an important player for the team and fans. The move represents a step up for Poku as he transitions from the Eredivisie to the Bundesliga under new Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag.
The transfer was reported by Sky and "Kicker", and is expected to be finalised in the coming days. Poku plays as a striker, and his addition to the Leverkusen squad is expected to bolster their attack as they aim to challenge for the Bundesliga title next season.
[1] Sky Sports, "Bayer Leverkusen agree deal to sign Dutch winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar", August 2025. [2] "Kicker", "Ernest Poku to join Bayer Leverkusen", August 2025. [3] ESPN, "Bayer Leverkusen close to signing Dutch winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar", August 2025. [4] Goal.com, "Ernest Poku discusses joining Bayer Leverkusen and his ambitions for the club", August 2025. [5] BBC Sport, "Ernest Poku completes move to Bayer Leverkusen from AZ Alkmaar", August 2025.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, as Europe's professional sports leagues, including the Dutch Eredivisie and German Bundesliga, continue to monitor the transfer of 21-year-old Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar to Bayer Leverkusen. The young striker, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and dynamism on the wing, has caught the eye with his impressive performances in football.
