Bayer Leverkusen sign Germany U19 international defender Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim
Bayer Leverkusen have signed 19-year-old defensive talent Luca Erlein from Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim.
The Germany U19 international has penned a deal running until June 2030.
“Luca is a highly talented, intelligent and robust defender," said Leverkusen's managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes. "We’re delighted to have completed this transfer.”
Erlein has been at Hoffenheim for the past eight years and made one appearance for the senior side coached by Christian Ilzer as a substitute against Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League in January 2025.
The defender was part of the Germany U19 squad who were beaten finalists in this summer's European championships, playing every minute in the tournament for the team he has 12 caps for in total.
The youngster will hope to impress in pre-season under new Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez before the side open their campaign in the DFB Cup away to Wehen Wiesbaden on 22 August (1pm CEST) prior to facing their first Bundesliga test at newly-promoted Elversberg on 29 August (3.30pm CEST).
