Bayer Leverkusen has made an exciting addition to their A-Junior team by signing 17-year-old left-back Osman Turay from FC Schalke 04. This talented young player is set to enhance the squad under the guidance of coach Sergi Runge.

The German U-17 international joins Leverkusen free of charge, making it a savvy move as the club aims to bolster its status in youth football.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Osman Turay’s ambitions match perfectly with our objectives. We are committed to elevating our standing in youth football and reinstating Bayer 04 as a premier destination in German football.”

Football director Kim Falkenberg also commended Turay’s remarkable abilities, saying, “Osman has emerged as one of the standout players in his age group. We’re excited that he has chosen to continue his promising path with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.”

Turay is already acquainted with some of his new teammates. As the vice-captain of the German U-17 national team, he has played alongside Leverkusen’s Jeremiah Mensah, Nebe Domnic, and Ben Hawighorst. The four were last on the field together during a starting lineup against Portugal, where they faced a narrow 1-2 defeat, leading to Germany’s early exit from the European Championship in Albania.

In May, Turay faced Leverkusen while representing Schalke in the quarter-finals of the German A-Junior Championship. In a thrilling match, Leverkusen clinched victory 3-2 in a penalty shootout, ultimately making their way to the finals, where they just fell short, losing 4-5 to 1. FC Köln.