Official | Bayer Leverkusen loan Ernest Poku to Beşiktaş, four more B04 departures possible | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have officially confirmed the departure of Dutch attacker Ernest Poku to Beşiktaş. The 22-year-old joins the Turkish giants on a season-long loan after only one year at the BayArena. Kicker reports that Beşiktaş will pay a €3m loan fee, while the agreement also contains a conditional €20m purchase obligation. The precise conditions required to trigger that clause have not been disclosed. Leverkusen are additionally expected to retain a sell-on percentage.

Should the permanent transfer materialise, Bayer would record a healthy profit on a player signed from AZ Alkmaar for approximately €10m plus bonuses last summer. Poku arrived as one of the players expected to help compensate for Jeremie Frimpong’s departure to Liverpool. He ultimately made 45 competitive appearances for Leverkusen, scoring five goals, but never established himself as a long-term first-choice option.

Poku joined up with Germany’s red company team with the expectation of working under fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag. The Netherlands U21 international – who is actually eligible to represent Germany – remains under contract with his Bundesliga team until 2030.

Poku’s departure could prove merely the first of several late Leverkusen moves as the 2026 summer transfer window draws to a close. Get German Football News has already reported on the potential impending departure of Argentine midfield linchpin Exequiel Palacios.

Leverkusen continue trimming overcrowded squad

Get German Football News’ 2026/27 Bayer Leverkusen tactical preview highlighted the considerable congestion remaining in Carles Martinez’s squad following another summer of extensive reconstruction. Several players now face uncertain futures heading into the final days of the transfer window.

Brazilian full-back Arthur appears particularly likely to leave on loan. Kicker reports that both Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen are interested in the 23-year-old.Arthur has made only 44 Bundesliga appearances since arriving from América FC three years ago. He featured 20 times in the league last season, making 13 starts, but his current prospects remain limited.

Leverkusen are still expected to recruit another right-back, while centre-back Jarell Quansah could initially be deployed on the right. Both HSV and Werder possess obvious needs in the position and could offer Arthur substantially more playing time.

Leipzig monitor Robert Andrich

Former captain Robert Andrich could also depart. The 31-year-old has fallen down the hierarchy following Martinez’s tactical changes and Edmond Tapsoba’s elevation to the captaincy. The Leverkusen coach has already publicly acknowledged that Andrich currently occupies a secondary role in central midfield.

According to Sky, RB Leipzig are among several Bundesliga clubs monitoring the Germany international. Leipzig reportedly appreciate Andrich’s experience and defensive qualities as they consider ways of adding stability to midfield. Both Bayer and Andrich are aware of the interest, though there has thus far been no direct approach or concrete offer.

Belocian attracting Bundesliga interest

Jeanuël Belocian may likewise remain in Germany should he depart. Kicker reports that several Bundesliga clubs are interested in the 21-year-old defender. Leverkusen are prepared to consider either another loan or a permanent transfer.

Belocian spent the second half of last season on loan at Wolfsburg, making 16 top-flight appearances including the relegation play-off. His exclusion from the pitch during Bayer’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal victory over Wehen Wiesbaden offered another indication of his current place in the hierarchy.

No specific interested club has yet been named.

Al-Shabab make offer for Jonas Hofmann

Jonas Hofmann’s situation appears somewhat different. Leverkusen have spent the summer making clear that the 34-year-old no longer features prominently in their plans. Bild now reports that Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab have presented the former Germany international with a lucrative offer.

The veteran has previously turned down potential exits, including interest from Werder Bremen, and has repeatedly indicated that he would have no problem fulfilling his Leverkusen contract through 2027. Hofmann was included in the squad against Wiesbaden but remained an unused substitute.

GGFN | Peter Weis