For the right wing: Bayer sign Alkmaar’s Poku

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have made another bold move in the transfer market, securing the signature of Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar in a deal that underlines the club’s commitment to building a fast, aggressive and unpredictable attacking unit.

The 21-year-old Netherlands U21 international has signed a contract running until 2030, joining the Bundesliga runners-up for a reported fee of around €10 million plus performance-related bonuses. Born in Hamburg to Ghanaian parents but raised in the Netherlands, Poku brings a mix of technical skill, raw athleticism and versatility that fits perfectly into Bayer’s long-term sporting vision.

Poku arrives at the BayArena with a growing reputation as one of the most explosive wide players in Europe. His breakthrough at AZ Alkmaar came in the Eredivisie, where he was known for his fearless one-on-one dribbling, acceleration over short distances and an ability to stretch defences with runs into space. Across 47 league appearances, he scored three goals and registered six assists numbers that may seem modest at first glance, but which don’t fully capture his influence in opening up attacking lanes for his teammates. His contributions often came in the form of pre-assists, drawing defenders out of position, or delivering dangerous balls into the box that forced defensive errors.

The speed factor is central to why Bayer 04 moved quickly to secure his services. At the 2025 UEFA U21 European Championship in Slovakia, Poku was officially clocked by UEFA at 35.3 km/h, making him the fastest player in the entire tournament. That kind of pace is rare even at the top level, and when combined with his close ball control and low centre of gravity, it creates a profile similar to that of Jeremie Frimpong during his early years at Leverkusen. The comparison is no coincidence Frimpong’s recent move to Liverpool created both a tactical gap and a need for a player who could operate effectively on the right flank, providing both attacking width and defensive work rate.

At AZ, Poku was typically deployed as a right winger in a 4-3-3 formation, staying wide to receive the ball and then attacking his full-back either by cutting inside onto his stronger right foot or driving to the byline to deliver low crosses. In Xabi Alonso’s system at Bayer, his role will be slightly different. The club’s preferred 3-4-3 formation requires the wide player on the right to operate almost as a hybrid between a winger and a wing-back someone who can drop deep to help the defensive line but also explode forward during transitions. Poku’s pace and stamina make him a natural fit for this dual responsibility, and his ability to recover quickly after attacking runs will be crucial in maintaining defensive solidity.

Bayer’s sporting director Simon Rolfes has been unequivocal in his praise for the new signing, calling him “an excellent wing-back who will bring a special edge to our attack with his speed and dribbling ability. He is skillful and assertive, and with his pace and dynamism, Ernest will greatly expand our footballing options.” This statement reflects not only the technical qualities Poku brings, but also the belief within the club that he can become a key player in a side that already includes attacking talents like Florian Wirtz, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Patrik Schick.

Internationally, Poku has been steadily making a name for himself. Representing the Netherlands at youth levels, he played a prominent role in their U21 European Championship campaign, scoring two goals in five appearances despite starting only two matches. This ability to make an impact off the bench speaks to his sharpness, adaptability and knack for finding space in decisive moments.

From a strategic standpoint, Poku’s signing also reflects Leverkusen’s recruitment philosophy under Rolfes and head coach Xabi Alonso targeting young, high-upside players before they become prohibitively expensive. At just 21, Poku still has plenty of room to refine his decision-making in the final third, improve his end product, and adapt to the increased physicality of the Bundesliga. The club’s coaching staff believe that, in the right environment, he can follow a similar development curve to that of Frimpong or Moussa Diaby, both of whom significantly increased their market value during their time at Bayer.

The timing of the transfer is also notable. Coming off a season where Bayer 04 finished as Bundesliga runners-up and made a strong showing in Europe, the club is aiming to maintain momentum while also planning for the long term. With Champions League football on the horizon and the fixture list set to be congested, depth in wide positions will be vital. Poku’s presence allows Alonso to rotate his squad without a significant drop in attacking threat, especially in matches where raw pace on the counter can be decisive.

For Poku himself, the move to Germany is both a challenge and an opportunity. He will need to adapt to a more tactical and physical style of play compared to the Eredivisie, but the Bundesliga’s high-tempo football should suit his strengths. Training and playing alongside elite-level teammates in a competitive environment could accelerate his development, while the exposure of Champions League football will test him against the very best defenders in the game.

If he settles quickly, Poku could become one of the breakout players of the Bundesliga season, giving Bayer 04 yet another dangerous weapon in their attacking arsenal. And with his contract running until 2030, Leverkusen fans may have many seasons to enjoy his blistering runs down the right flank.