Bayer Leverkusen has signed Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old defender signed a contract that runs until June 30, 2030. The Germany U19 international is regarded as one of the country's most interesting young defenders. He is primarily a right-back but can play in various defensive roles. Last season, he played for Hoffenheim's second team in the 3. Liga. Erlein was a key player for Germany at the recent U19 European Championship, playing every minute as the team won a silver medal. Bayer's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed the transfer. Rolfes described the new signing as a talented, intelligent, and physically strong defender and expressed his happiness with the completed deal. The defender has 12 caps and one goal for Germany's U19s and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €2.00m.