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 goa

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