LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen signed speedy young winger Ernest Poku from AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday to strengthen its Dutch connection under new coach Erik ten Hag .

Poku can play on both wings and his pace attracted attention in the Europa League last season. Born in Germany, he reached the semifinals of the European under-21 championship with the Netherlands.

The 21-year-old arrives on a five-year contract. Leverkusen announced his signing on social media with an image of the character Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars” and a compilation of clips of Poku dribbling past defenders.

“I leave defenders behind for breakfast,” Poku said in the video. “Faster than fast. Quicker than quick. I am Ernest Poku.”

He's already played four games in the 2025-26 season, scoring one

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