Nathan Tella Dismisses Transfer Rumours, Says He’s Happy at Bayer Leverkusen
Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella has brushed off rumours suggesting he might leave Bayer Leverkusen, saying he is happy at the club and wants to continue his journey there.
Tella joined the Bundesliga champions from Southampton in the summer of 2023 and has quickly become an important player under manager Xabi Alonso.
The 25-year-old played a key role in helping Leverkusen win a historic domestic double last season. Despite struggling with injuries this term, he remains a valuable member of the squad.
So far this season, Tella has played 35 matches in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His efforts have helped Leverkusen stay in the title race, just six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Speaking to German outlet BILD after training on Wednesday, the Nigerian winger said he still believes Leverkusen can win the league.
“A six-point gap isn’t much in football,” Tella said. “It’s up to us. We want to win as many games as possible and reach the top.”
Tella also spoke about how settled he feels at the club and how much he has come to value playing in Germany.
“I really like it here. When I arrived, I didn’t know much about the club or German football. But even in the first two weeks, I truly understood what it means to play for and represent this club,” he said.
“I have no reason to leave. I’m more than happy here. I want to stay.”
Tella, who started his career at Arsenal’s academy, was taken off at halftime during Leverkusen’s goalless draw against Union Berlin last weekend after feeling dizzy. He was later taken to hospital for checks and has since returned to individual training.
Looking ahead, he is hopeful of playing in Leverkusen’s next match against St. Pauli on Sunday.
“If it were up to me, I’d always play,” he said. “But that’s a decision for the coach and medical team.”
As he works on returning to full fitness, Tella will also be hoping to earn a recall to the Super Eagles after missing Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
