Bayer Leverkusen secures the transfer of Poku from AZ Alkmaar, filling the void left by Frimpong. - Bayer Leverkusen selects Poku from AZ Alkmaar as a replacement for Frimpong.
Bayer Leverkusen Strengthens Squad with Dutch Talent Ernest Poku
Bayer Leverkusen has bolstered its ranks with the signing of Dutch winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar. The German vice-champion announced the acquisition of Poku on Tuesday, as part of a significant squad overhaul following the departures of key players.
Ernest Poku, known for his tricky and determined playstyle, has signed a contract with Bayer Leverkusen that will keep him at the club until 2030. The 23-year-old speedster, who represents the Netherlands at the U-21 level, was the fastest player of the U-21 European Championship in Slovakia with a top speed of 35.3 km/h.
In the Eredivisie, Poku showcased his offensive prowess, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 48 games for AZ Alkmaar. His playing style, which bears similarities to that of former Leverkusen player Jeremie Frimpong, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team.
Frimpong's departure to Liverpool marked the start of a rebuilding phase for Leverkusen, with the squad losing not only Frimpong but also captain Lukáš Hrádecký, top midfielder Granit Xhaka, leading attacker Florian Wirtz, and defender Jonathan Tah. Head coach Erik ten Hag acknowledged the ongoing rebuilding process, with several players like Amine Adli potentially on the move.
Alongside Poku, Leverkusen has brought in several notable new players to help fill the void left by departed leaders. Malik Tillman, an attacking midfielder who inherited the prestigious number 10 jersey from Florian Wirtz, has joined from PSV Eindhoven. Tillman scored 12 league goals last season.
Jarell Quansah, a centre-back signed from Liverpool, and Mark Flekken, a goalkeeper acquired from Brentford, have also joined the squad as replacements for Tah and Hrádecký, respectively.
The new-look Leverkusen squad, under the guidance of ten Hag, is aiming to integrate these new signings and stabilize the team for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The confirmed 2024/25 squad includes goalkeepers Mark Flekken, Lukáš Hrádecký (until departure), Matěj Kovář, defenders Jarell Quansah, Piero Hincapié, Jonathan Tah (until Bayern transfer), Mario Hermoso, midfielders Malik Tillman, Ernest Poku, Alec Grimaldo, Adrián Nouri, Patrick Schick, Victor Boniface, and potential departures like Amine Adli.
As Leverkusen looks to compete after losing core performers from recent title-winning seasons, the rebuilding process is a major effort. However, with the addition of talents like Poku and Tillman, the club is optimistic about its future in the Bundesliga.
In the midst of a significant squad rebuilding process, Bayer Leverkusen's football policy includes the acquisition of young Dutch talent Ernest Poku, mirroring the style of former player Jeremie Frimpong.
With sports like football being essential for community aid, the development of the fisheries sector isn't the only area where policy plays a crucial role.
