Bayer Leverkusen have secured the long-term future of promising young midfielder Francis Onyeka after handing him a new contract before sending him out on loan for the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old will spend the upcoming Bundesliga campaign with newly promoted SV Elversberg, where he is expected to gain valuable top-flight experience and continue his development.
Onyeka earned widespread praise during his previous loan spell with VfL Bochum in Germany’s second division. The attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive season, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in 30 league appearances.
His strong performances made him one of the standout young talents in Bundesliga 2 and attracted interest from several clubs across Germany.
Elversberg eventually won the race to secure his services on loan as they prepare for life in the Bundesliga. The club believes Onyeka’s creativity, energy and attacking qualities will strengthen their squad as they battle to remain in the top division.
Before finalising the move, Bayer Leverkusen rewarded the youngster with a contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2032.
Reacting to the new deal, Onyeka described the contract extension as a major milestone in his career and said it has given him even more motivation to keep improving.
The midfielder expressed excitement about the opportunity to test himself in the Bundesliga and said he is determined to prove his quality throughout the season with Elversberg.
Onyeka also made it clear that his long-term ambition remains earning a place in Bayer Leverkusen’s first team. According to him, representing the club at the highest level has always been a dream since childhood.
Born in Gummersbach, the Nigerian-born talent now looks set for another important chapter in his development as he prepares for his first full season in Germany’s top flight.