Leverkusen Nears €10M Signing of Winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar

Bayer Leverkusen is actively strengthening its squad ahead of the new Bundesliga season, securing the signing of Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar for a reported €10 million. The 21-year-old winger is set to join on a contract until 2030 after completing his medical, bringing pace and attacking versatility to Leverkusen's lineup following the departure of key players like Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. Leverkusen is also in advanced negotiations to acquire Sevilla centre-back Loïc Badé, with competing bids from AFC Bournemouth pushing the transfer fee toward €30 million. Additionally, the club is reportedly interested in Djurgårdens' 19-year-old Japanese left-back Keita Kosugi, who has attracted widespread European attention, though Djurgårdens prefers to retain him until at least the end of the season. To fill the goalkeeper gap left by Hradecky, Leverkusen is finalizing the signing of Janis Blaswich from RB Leipzig, who will back up new first-choice keeper Mark Flekken. These moves reflect Leverkusen's strategic efforts to rebuild a competitive squad for their Bundesliga title defense and Champions League campaign under coach Erik ten Hag.