Bayer Leverkusen loans Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus Bayer Leverkusen has loaned 19-year-old defender Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. The DFB talent only joined the club this summer from TSG Hoffenheim for a €2 million fee. ## Who is Luca Erlein? Erlein is a versatile defender who can play on the right, in the center, or on the left. The U19 international made 31 appearances for Hoffenheim's reserve team in the third division, contributing five assists. He also helped Germany reach the U19 European Championship final against Spain. ## Why the loan to Cottbus? Energie Cottbus was looking for defensive reinforcement and found in Erlein a flexible player who could also be tested as a defensive midfielder. Bayer Leverkusen sees the loan as an opportunity to further develop the young talent. ## What does this mean for Bayer Leverkusen? The team finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season with 59 points (17 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses). They scored 68 goals and conceded 47, resulting in a +21 goal difference. Their last match ended 1-1 against Hamburger SV. ## What's next? Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Werder Bremen on December 12, 2026. Currently, Eliesse Ben Seghir is sidelined with an injury.