Osman Turay: Germany-Sierra Leone left-back joins Excelsior from Leverkusen U19

Excelsior have signed Germany-Sierra Leone defender Osman Turay from Bayer Leverkusen’s under-19 side on a permanent deal. The 18-year-old left-back has agreed a contract with the Eredivisie club until 30 June 2029.

Turay moves to Rotterdam after a season in Leverkusen’s youth set-up, having previously come through the age-group sides at Schalke 04. He joined Leverkusen U19 from Schalke’s under-19s in 2025 on a free transfer and now makes the step into senior football in the Netherlands.

A left-footed defender standing at 1.73m, Turay has built up extensive experience in German youth competitions. Across appearances in the U17-Bundesliga West, various U19 Nachwuchsliga groups and the UEFA Youth League, he has featured regularly and contributed goals and assists from full-back, including scoring and creating in the DFB-Pokal der Junioren.

Born on 17 March 2008, Turay holds both German and Sierra Leonean nationality and has largely developed his game in the academies of 1. FC Koln and Schalke before his move to Leverkusen. His performances at under-17 and under-19 level in Germany have now earned him a first move abroad.

Turay’s switch to Excelsior, confirmed on 29 July 2026, ties him to the Eredivisie side for three seasons as he begins his professional career in Rotterdam.