Bayer Leverkusen has officially announced the acquisition of Portuguese winger Afonso Moreira from Olympique Lyon as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.

Contract Details and Player Ambitions

Moreira, 21, has signed a contract that will keep him at the BayArena until June 30, 2031. Expressing his excitement about the move, Moreira stated, “I am very proud and happy to be able to wear the Bayer Leverkusen shirt in the future.” He emphasized that from their initial discussions, he felt a strong alignment with the club's vision for his career. “The club’s management presented me with a clear pathway in very respectful discussions,” he added, highlighting their genuine interest in his goals and potential.

Performance and Team Fit

Last season, Moreira made 37 appearances across all competitions for Lyon, contributing eight goals and 11 assists, which helped the team secure a fourth-place finish in the league. Known for his versatility, he can play on either wing, adding depth to Leverkusen's attacking options alongside players like Nathan Tella, Ernest Poku, and Eliesse Ben Seghir. Sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Moreira's attributes, stating, “Afonso Moreira is a fast, agile, and skilful attacker with a strong finishing ability and an excellent eye for his teammates.” He expressed optimism about Moreira's potential impact on the team, noting that his skills align perfectly with Leverkusen's style of play.

Future Prospects

A product of Sporting's esteemed academy, Moreira has also represented Portugal at various youth levels, scoring seven goals in 32 appearances. However, he is still awaiting his first senior national team call-up. He is set to join his new teammates for pre-season training starting on July 14. Leverkusen, who finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season, will kick off their competitive campaign with a DFB Cup first-round match against Wehen Wiesbaden scheduled between August 21 and 24. The Bundesliga season will commence a week later, with the fixture list to be revealed on July 2.