Bayer Leverkusen loan new signing Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus
Bayer Leverkusen have signed Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim and immediately loaned the German youngster to Energie Cottbus.
Erlein, 18, joins Leverkusen on a four-year deal, but will spend the 2026/27 season furthering his experience in Bundesliga 2.
Having previously won the U19 Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, the right-back impressed for the reserves last term, registering five assists in 31 3. Liga outings. The Germany youth international - who was part of the team that lost the UEFA EURO U19 2026 final to Spain on 11 July - made his sole senior appearance to date in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said the club view Erlein as a promising prospect. "Luca is a highly talented, intelligent and robust defender. We're delighted to have completed this transfer."
Erlein could make his Bundesliga 2 debut when Cottbus play Hannover on 9 August. The Brandenburg club earned automatic promotion to the second tier as last season's 3. Liga runners-up.
Leverkusen director of football Kim Falkenberg said: "We hope this loan move to Cottbus will enable Luca to take the next important step by getting as much playing time as possible in Bundesliga 2. His development so far has been very promising, and we are absolutely confident he will progress to the Bundesliga in due course."
