The 1.73 metre tall Tella went out on loan at the start of last season from Premier League club Southampton, who were then relegated from England's top flight, to Burnley in the Championship. Under coach Vincent Kompany, Tella played a key role in the Clarets winning the Championship title and gaining promotion before his return to Southampton.
The 24-year-old has signed a contract at Bayer 04 to 30 June 2028 and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes sees the signing as filling another important position in the squad: "We have gained a fast winger who can score, who brings experience with him but also has the potential to develop," said Rolfes. "Nathan gives our attack additional versatility and he will strengthen our team with his pace and quality on the pitch."
For Tella, who scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 45 games for Burnley, the move to Germany is a big step: "Lots of young players from the Premier League have had the chance to play in the Bundesliga and were able to improve significantly here. And I find the stadiums and the whole fan culture exciting," revealed the Englishman, who played three league games for Southampton this season, scoring once and providing one assist.
"Above all, the Leverkusen team is obviously the reason for my decision," said Tella. "They are an impressive team who reached the semi-finals in the Europa League last season. I really want to continue on that road with Bayer 04."
Bayer 04 welcome Union Berlin to a sold-out BayArena for Matchday 29 in the Bundesliga this Saturday (3.30pm CEST), with this game all about families. Here’s all you need to know in our matchday news.
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Two of the most in-form teams in the Bundesliga face each other in front of a full house at the BayArena on Saturday, 12 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Ahead of the Werkself game against Union Berlin, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about a reinvigorated FCU, two returnees to the squad and the state of play in the table.
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Union Berlin are currently on a run after a previously turbulent season with lots and highs and lows. The Irons now look to have escaped worries of relegation with ten points won in the last four games. Nevertheless, the team coached by Steffen Baumgart, recently very strong away from home, will go into the next game in Leverkusen with the usual high intensity on Saturday, 12 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Here we go again: Bayer 04 are again organising a traditional family matchday, presented by main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, for the Werkself Bundesliga home game against Union Berlin (Saturday, 12 April, 15:30 CEST). Werkself fans can look forward to family-friendly offers and a wide-ranging programme of events in and around the BayArena with plenty of games plus activities to join in with. There will also be an exclusive kit sale at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt. Read on for information on the family matchday.
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