Bayer Leverkusen secures the acquisition of Alkmaar's player, Poku, replacing Frimpong in their squad.
Bayer Leverkusen Signs Promising Dutch Winger Ernest Poku
Bayer Leverkusen have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of 21-year-old Dutch forward/winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar. The youngster has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the BayArena until 2030.
Poku, who is known for his speed, dribbling ability, and dynamism, is seen as a valuable addition to Leverkusen's frontline. The club's Sporting Director, Simon Rolfes, highlighted these qualities as ones that will significantly enhance their attacking options.
Born in Hamburg to Ghanaian parents, Poku was raised in the Netherlands and developed through the ranks of amateur clubs SV Robinhood and FC Amsterdam before joining AZ Alkmaar's academy in 2019.
Poku made his professional debut for AZ's reserve team (Jong AZ) in 2021, scoring 16 goals in 59 appearances. He broke into the senior team starting in 2021, accumulating 79 appearances and 6 goals in Eredivisie and other competitions by 2025.
Poku has also gained international experience, earning 14 caps for the Netherlands U21 team and 25 youth caps in total. He played a key role for the Oranje at the 2025 Under-21 European Championship, scoring two goals and helping his team reach the semi-finals.
At the tournament, Poku was also the fastest player, with a speed of 35.3 km/h. His playing style, which has been compared to that of Jeremie Frimpong, sees him primarily as a winger.
Poku's transfer fee is around ten million euros, with additional bonuses. His arrival comes at a time when several key players have left Bayer Leverkusen this summer, including Florian Wirtz (FC Liverpool), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Granit Xhaka (AFC Sunderland), and Lukas Hradecky (AS Monaco).
Under new coach Erik ten Hag, Poku is seen as a young, fast addition to Leverkusen's frontline with potential to compete for a starting role. The club values his ability to add pace and creativity following the departure of crucial offensive players.
With his contract running until 2030, Poku is poised to make an impact in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. The promising, quick, and skillful winger has a solid track record in Dutch top-flight and youth international competitions and is eager to continue his development in Germany.
[1] Bayer Leverkusen official website [2] AZ Alkmaar official website [3] UEFA official website [4] NOS Sports (Dutch sports news outlet) [5] Transfermarkt (Football statistics and market values)
Bayer Leverkusen's new signing, Ernest Poku, will bring his formidable skills in football to the European-leagues, specifically the premier-league, having signed from AZ Alkmaar. Poku, known for his speed and dribbling ability, is expected to fill the void left by several key players who have departed this summer, bringing a fresh infusion of dynamism to the sports field.
