Bayer Leverkusen has secured the signing of highly rated Cameroonian striker Christian Kofane, activating his €5 million release clause as the Bundesliga champions continue their focus on nurturing young talent.
The 18-year-old, who emerged as one of the revelations of the season in Spain’s second division, is set to join Leverkusen following a scheduled medical this weekend.
Once completed, he will sign a contract with the German side, now under the leadership of Erik ten Hag following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
Kofane’s meteoric rise over the past year has drawn attention across Europe. A product of AS Nylon in Douala, an academy affiliated with Spanish side Albacete, he only arrived in Spain in November.
His early performances were nothing short of explosive. Beginning with Albacete’s reserve side, he scored seven goals in as many matches, earning a swift promotion to the first team.
He went on to net eight goals in 20 appearances in the Segunda División, 16 of those as a starter.
Standing at 1.89 metres, Kofane has been praised for his physical presence, acceleration, and composure in front of goal. His maturity on and off the pitch has further underlined his potential, leading to widespread interest from top clubs.
Prior to agreeing terms with Leverkusen, Kofane had attracted interest from several European giants. Scouts from Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Villarreal, Brighton and Red Bull Salzburg had all reportedly been tracking the forward’s progress. However, it was Leverkusen that succeeded in convincing the player and his representatives of the club’s vision and development path.
For Leverkusen, Kofane fits seamlessly into their long-term strategy of investing in emerging talent. The German club, which claimed the Bundesliga title in the 2024–25 season, has built a reputation for fostering young players and giving them opportunities at the highest level.
Recent success stories include Nigerian forward Victor Boniface and promising prospect Ibrahim Maza, who is also set to join the squad ahead of next season.
The move is seen as a significant milestone in Kofane’s fledgling career. From training pitches in Douala to the professional stages of Germany’s top flight, the teenager’s rapid ascent highlights both his potential and the growing global footprint of Cameroonian football talent.
Leverkusen is expected to provide Kofane with a stable environment conducive to development. Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, known for his work with young players during his time at Ajax and Manchester United, the striker will have the opportunity to further refine his skills while adapting to the demands of top-tier European football.
As he prepares to make the leap to one of Europe’s elite leagues, Kofane will undoubtedly be one of the young names to watch in the Bundesliga next season.
His arrival signals Leverkusen’s continued commitment to building a dynamic and forward-thinking squad rooted in youth and ambition.
