Luca Erlein and Germany U19 were beaten by Spain in this summer's European Championship final in Wales.
Luca Erlein and Germany U19 were beaten by Spain in this summer's European Championship final in Wales. - © IMAGO/DeFodi.de
Luca Erlein and Germany U19 were beaten by Spain in this summer's European Championship final in Wales. - © IMAGO/DeFodi.de
bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen sign Germany U19 international defender Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen have signed 19-year-old defensive talent Luca Erlein from Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim. The Germany U19 international has penned a deal running until June 2030.

Erlein has developed at Hoffenheim over the past eight years and made one full appearance for the side coached by Christian Ilzer as a substitute against Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League in January 2025.

“Luca is a highly talented, intelligent and robust defender. We’re delighted to have completed this transfer,” said Leverkusen's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes.

Erlein was part of the Germany U19 squad who were beaten finalists in this summer's European championships, playing every minute in the tournament for the team he has 12 caps for in total.

The youngster will hope to impress in pre-season under new Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez before the side open their campaign in the DFB Cup away to Wehen Wiesbaden on 22 August (1pm CEST) prior to facing their first Bundesliga test at newly-promoted Elversberg on 29 August (3.30pm CEST).

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