Bayer Leverkusen sign English winger Nathan Tella from Southampton

4 weeks ago

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of English winger Nathan Tella from Southamption.

Tella contributed 17 goals and five assists to Burnley's promotion-winning campaign last season, before returning to Southampton over the summer.

The 24-year-old, who produced a goal and an assist across his first three Championship appearances of the new campaign prior to his switch Leverkusen, has signed a five-year deal.

"Lots of young players from the Premier League have had the chance to play in the Bundesliga and were able to improve significantly here. And I find the stadiums and the whole fan culture exciting," said Tella after signing.

"But above all, the Leverkusen team is of course the reason for my decision," he added. "They are an impressive team who reached the semi-finals in the Europa League last season. I really want to continue on that road with Bayer 04."

A Championship winner whilst on loan at Burnley in 2022/23, Tella also made 33 English Premier League appearances (17 starts) during a three-year stint with the Southampton first team, registering a goal and two assists. He is a product of the Arsenal youth academy.

"We have gained a fast winger who can score, who brings experience with him but also has the potential to develop," said sporting director Simon Rolfes.

"Nathan gives our attack additional versatility and he will strengthen our team with his pace and quality on the pitch."

Tella was named in the English Championship's official 2022/23 Team of the Season. - Image

Tella follows in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Callum Hudson-Odoi, who made 14 Bundesliga appearances whilst on loan at Leverkusen from Chelsea last season.

The Stevenage native could make his Bundesliga debut when Alonso's side host Darmstadt - buoyed by an back-to-back league wins across the first two weeks of the season - on Matchday 3.