Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Nigerian international Nathan Tella has signed a contract extension, keeping the winger at the Bundesliga club until 2031.
The 26-year-old’s previous deal was due to run until 2028, but the new agreement now makes him the player with the longest current contract at the Werkself.
“We are delighted to retain such a likeable and top-class professional in our ranks for the long term. Nathan Tella is a key player on the pitch and an extremely important figure in the dressing room,” said Bayer 04 Sporting Director Simon Rolfes.
“His identification with Bayer 04 is palpable and evident every day. On the pitch, his pace and footballing quality are the outstanding attributes with which Nathan enriches our team.”
Tella, who was born in England but represents Nigeria at international level, described the extension as “an expression of a special relationship.” He added:
“I feel incredibly comfortable at Bayer 04; the first few years here were marked by fantastic success. It’s great fun to now be part of developing a new, strong team. I’m sure we’ll achieve our goals again in the coming years.”
The Nigerian winger joined Leverkusen from Southampton in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of €23.3 million.
He made an immediate impact, winning a domestic double in his first season with the club. Since arriving, Tella has made 95 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing 14 assists, despite struggling with recurring injuries at times.
This season, he has contributed three assists in 16 appearances.
Tella also made his debut for the Nigeria national team in November 2023 and was called up by head coach José Peseiro for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
His presence in the Super Eagles squad adds further significance to his long-term commitment at club level.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Tella now sits alongside other key players such as Ibrahim Maza and Exequiel Palacios, whose contracts run until 2030.
The winger’s ability to operate on the right flank or through central attacking positions provides flexibility for both club and country.
With the new contract, Leverkusen signal their confidence in Tella as a core figure for the future.
For the Nigerian international, the deal offers stability as he aims to continue building his career in Germany while maintaining his growing influence with the Super Eagles on the international stage.
