LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 8: Ernest Poku of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at BayArena on November 8, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)Ernest Poku has made a spectacular entrance at Bayer Leverkusen, surpassing expectations as one of the clubs most impressive summer signings.The 21-year-old Dutch-Ghanaian winger, acquired for 10 million euros from AZ Alkmaar, has quickly established himself as a key player under coach Kasper Hjulmand. Pokus impressive attributes, speed, depth, and efficiency, have brought a fresh dynamic to Leverkusens attacking play.In just ten Bundesliga appearances, Poku has been involved in six goals, scoring four and assisting two. This rapid adaptation has surprised even the clubs management. Sporting director Simon Rolfes told Kicker, It happened very fast. We didnt expect a player from a smaller league to adapt so well and so quickly. He highlighted how Poku seized his opportunity following Nathan Tellas injury.Rolfes describes Poku as a player who is a weapon in certain moments and lauds his ability to use his athleticism to provide balance and threat in open spaces. Poku himself admits, I did not expect this from the start. But things can happen quickly, and you have to be readyand I am.Despite his breakthrough, Rolfes sees even more potential for Poku, especially in his combinations and penalty-area decision-making. Pokus mix of athleticism, learning ability, and effectiveness has made him far more than a mere backup, hes become Leverkusens new secret weapon, ready for even greater challenges.
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