Moreira Completes Leverkusen Move, Bolstering Attack for New Season

Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen has officially secured the services of Portuguese U-21 international Afonso MoreiraPlayer·Afonso Moreira, completing a permanent transfer from Olympique Lyon. The 21-year-old left-winger has committed his future to the German club, signing a contract that extends until the conclusion of the 2030/31 season. The deal, finalized on June 18, 2026, involved a transfer fee of approximately €30-32 million, with potential bonuses.

Moreira arrives in Leverkusen following a standout 2025/26 season with LyonTeam·Lyon, where his performances were instrumental in the French club's qualification for the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. Across 37 appearances in all competitions, he registered an impressive eight goals and eleven assists, earning him a coveted spot in L'Equipe's Team of the Season.

His arrival marks a strategic acquisition for Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen, who finished the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season in 6th place with 59 points, accumulating 17 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses. The club also reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. Moreira's addition is expected to inject significant depth and creativity into an attacking line that will compete in both the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga and the Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League in the coming season.

Upon his arrival, Afonso MoreiraPlayer·Afonso Moreira expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter: "I'm very proud and happy to be able to wear the Bayer 04 jersey. Right from our first conversation, I felt that this club was a perfect fit for my sporting ambitions. The club's management have set out a clear path for me and won me over with their vision."

Moreira also highlighted his anticipation of working with new head coach Carles Martínez, noting the linguistic and cultural similarities that could facilitate their collaboration, and Martínez's familiarity with French football. He affirmed his commitment to the club's supporters: "The fans can rest assured that in every training session and every match, I'll be out on the pitch for Bayer 04 with passion, commitment and absolute dedication." — Afonso MoreiraPlayer·Afonso Moreira.

Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised Moreira's attributes, emphasizing his suitability for the team's tactical approach: "Afonso MoreiraPlayer·Afonso Moreira is a fast, agile, and skillful striker with a good finishing ability and excellent vision. His pace and intense style of play are a perfect fit for our team. With Afonso, we gain additional firepower and creativity in attack." — Simon Rolfes.

Moreira's ability to operate across the attacking third makes him a valuable asset, particularly as he was a priority target for Carles Martínez, who had observed his talent during his managerial tenure at Toulouse in Ligue 1. This signing is also seen as a move to bolster the squad following the departure of attacking midfielder Florian WirtzPlayer·Florian Wirtz earlier in the 2025/26 season. Moreira's stated goal is to continue his development at the highest level, deliver consistent performances, and contribute to the team's success in domestic and European competitions.