Bayer Leverkusen has signed another young talent. The 19-year-old right-back Luca Erlein joins from TSG Hoffenheim II. He is the fifth U20 player Leverkusen has signed this summer. League standing: 6th in Bundesliga, 0 pts.
Who is Luca Erlein?
The 19-year-old Luca Erlein has been trained at TSG Hoffenheim since 2018 and went through all youth departments. Last season, he played 33 times for Hoffenheim's second team. In January 2025, he made his Europa League debut against RSC Anderlecht. Recently, he was part of the German U19 national team, which lost the European Championship final to Spain.
How much does the transfer cost?
Bayer Leverkusen pays a market-value transfer fee of 2 million euros for Luca Erlein. His contract runs until 2031 and includes future bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause for TSG Hoffenheim. Erlein is expected to be loaned to a second-division club to gain playing experience.
What does the transfer mean for Leverkusen?
With Luca Erlein, Bayer Leverkusen continues to strengthen its youth department. The right-back is the fifth U20 transfer of the summer after Jonas Hofmann, Afonso Moreira, and two other players. Goals this season: 0 scored, 0 conceded (0 goal difference). The club is investing in young talents to ensure long-term success.
What comes next?
Luca Erlein is expected to be loaned to a second-division club to gain playing experience. Bayer Leverkusen's next game is on February 20, 2027, against FSV Mainz 05. Currently sidelined: Eliesse Ben Seghir. The club will continue to look for young talents to strengthen the team.
