Leverkusen signs Nathan Tella on 5 year contract

 

MUNICH – Ambitious Bayer Leverkusen have further bolstered their squad with winger Nathan Tella, the Bundesliga club said on Sunday.

England’s Tella, 24, has signed a five-year contract in a move from Southampton. He played on loan at Burnley last season and his 17 goals helped them to promotion into the Premier League.

“We have gained a fast winger who can score, who brings experience with him but also has the potential to develop,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said.

“Nathan gives our attack additional versatility and he will strengthen our team with his pace and quality on the pitch.”

Tella is the latest arrival in Leverkusen, joining newcomers including German international Jonas Hofmann, Swiss veteran Granit Xhaka, Nigerian Victor Boniface and on-loan Croatian Josip Stanisic.

Leverkusen have been rated a contender for a first-ever Bundesliga title and have started the league with victories over German Cup winners RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

But they are keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

“We should not forget that we had zero points at this stage last season. It was important to start well now,” goalkeeper Lucas Hradecky said.

Coach Xabi Alonso said the only aim so far is to do well in the first three games before the international break, with promoted Darmstadt the final opponents next weekend in that period.

“From Monday on I will only be thinking about Darmstadt. We will have respect and will try to prepare well,” Alonso said.

Hofmann said it was important to remain “humble” and Xhaka added: “We are good. I don’t want to talk about whether it is good enough for the top. I don’t want to put too much pressure on the team.”