Nathan Tella, the talented forward from Southampton, has made a significant move to the Bundesliga, joining Bayer Leverkusen in a transfer deal reportedly valued at £20 million.
The 24-year-old player, born in England to Nigerian parents, showcased his prowess during a loan spell with Burnley last season. He achieved remarkable success by netting 19 goals, contributing significantly to Burnley’s triumph in clinching the Championship title.
Tella’s commitment to his new journey is reflected in the five-year contract he has signed with the German club.
While Southampton expressed their disappointment at parting ways with a homegrown talent and beloved personality, they acknowledged that the offer presented fair compensation for his skillset.
Speaking about his transition, Tella shared his optimism, pointing out the trend of young players from the Premier League flourishing in the Bundesliga and elevating their game. In an interview with Leverkusen’s official website, he expressed his eagerness to be a part of Bayer 04, an impressive team that managed to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in the previous season. Tella expressed his commitment to the path set by the club and its accomplishments.
Tella’s journey has been intertwined with Southampton for the past six years, starting when he joined their academy at the age of 17 after leaving Arsenal.
In the current Championship season, Tella featured in three matches, scoring once. However, he was absent from the lineup in Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Queens Park Rangers.
