Southampton announce the departure of Nathan Tella to Bayer Leverkusen

Southampton have confirmed Nathan Tella has completed a transfer to German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. 

The 24-year-old joined the Saints’ academy from Arsenal in 2017, earning his competitive debut three years later against Norwich City. 

He was never a regular for the Hampshire side but made 44 appearances in all competitions during his six years at the club. 

The young winger spent last season on loan to Burnley where he played an important role to help them seal Premier League promotion. 

He registered 17 goals and created five assists in 39 Championship appearances for the Clarets. 

Tella featured three times for Southampton this term but he wasn’t part of the squad in their 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. 

He has now joined Bayer Leverkusen in a reported £20 million deal, per BBC Sport.  

In a statement on their website, the Saints conceded they are disappointed to lose such a talented player but felt the offer represented fair value for him. 

Manager Russell Martin has already lost several key players this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Tino Livramento joined Newcastle United before James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia also ended up moving to West Ham United and Chelsea respectively. 

However, Southampton have still made an impressive start to the new campaign, winning three of their four matches to be only two points behind table toppers Leicester City.