Luca Erlein signs with Bayer Leverkusen and heads to Energie Cottbus on loan

German defender Luca Erlein, 19, moved from TSG Hoffenheim to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on a six‑year contract that runs until 30 June 2030. The transfer fee was reported at about €2 million. Bayer sport director Simon Rolfes praised the 1.90 m tall player, calling him “highly talented, intelligent and physically strong.”

Within days of the signing, Bayer agreed to loan Erlein to 2. Bundesliga side FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. Cottbus coach Claus‑Dieter Wollitz said, “Luca is a fantastic player who has everything needed in modern football,” and the club expressed gratitude to Bayer and the agent for facilitating the move. Erlein, a product of Hoffenheim’s academy, logged 31 appearances for Hoffenheim II in the 3. Liga and was a regular for Germany’s U19 team, featuring every minute of the European Championship that earned a silver medal.