Nathan Tella says he wants to help Bayer Leverkusen from where they left off last season after completing a reported £20 million transfer from Southampton.
The 24-year-old Anglo-Nigerian had been on the books of the Saints since 2017 and notably spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Burnley where he scored 17 goals and finished as the fifth-highest goalscorer in the Championship, ultimately helping the Clarets to the title and securing automatic Premier League promotion.
Southampton however got relegated from the Premier League after 11 years, with Tella’s future clearly away from the club despite playing three times in the Championship this season, scoring once and providing one assist.
Tella joins a Leverkusen team that finished sixth last season in the Bundesliga and reached the semi-finals in the UEFA Europa League, and says he wants to be part of the progress.
“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,” Tella said on the Leverkusen website.
“Above all, the Leverkusen team is obviously the reason for my decision.
“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.”
Nathan Tella BABY! ????????????????????????????????
We are delighted to announce the signing of the 24-year-old Englishman on a deal until 2028! ✍️⚫️????#Tella2028 | #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/wZl9Nxt0e3
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 27, 2023
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said of Tella’s acquisition: “We have gained a fast winger who can score, who brings experience with him but also has the potential to develop.
“Nathan gives our attack additional versatility and he will strengthen our team with his pace and quality on the pitch.”
Tella is the second player of Nigerian descent to be signed by Leverkusen this summer after acquiring Victor Boniface from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
