'I have no reason to leave' - Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella insists he's happy at Leverkusen

Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, insisting he is content with life at the Bundesliga champions and eager to continue his journey with the club.

Tella, who joined Leverkusen from Southampton in the summer of 2023, has quickly become a key figure for Xabi Alonso’s side. 

The 25-year-old played a vital role in their historic domestic double last season and has remained a valuable squad member this term despite battling injuries.

In the ongoing campaign, Tella has featured in 35 matches across all competitions, contributing four goals and three assists. 

His efforts have kept Leverkusen firmly in the Bundesliga title race, where they trail leaders Bayern Munich by six points.

Speaking with BILD after training on Wednesday, the Nigerian winger expressed his belief that the title race is far from over. 

"A six-point gap isn't much in football," he said. "It's up to us; we want to win as many games as possible and get to the top."

Tella also took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the club, expressing his deepening connection with Leverkusen.

"I really like it here. When I came here, I didn't know much about the club or German football. But even in the first two weeks, I truly understood what it means to play for and represent this club,” he said. 

"I have no reason to leave, I'm more than happy here. I want to stay."

The former Arsenal academy player was substituted at halftime during Leverkusen’s goalless draw against Union Berlin last weekend after reportedly experiencing dizziness.

He was subsequently taken to the hospital for checks and has since returned to individual training.

Tella is optimistic about returning to action when Leverkusen face St. Pauli on Sunday.

"If it were up to me, I'd always play. But that's something the coach and the medical department have to decide."

As he continues his recovery and seeks to build on his performances, Tella will also be hoping for a recall to the Super Eagles squad after missing out on Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Adeyemi Adewale

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