Nigerian winger Nathan Tella’s odyssey has led him from the hallowed grounds of England’s Championship to the summit of German football with Bayer Leverkusen, and his remarkable ascent has captivated fans and pundits alike.
Emerging from the revered Arsenal academy, Tella’s early years were fraught with challenges. Injuries and fierce competition conspired to derail his path, prompting a departure from the Gunners in 2017.
Undeterred by setbacks, Tella found sanctuary at Southampton in 2017, where his talent began to bloom. His talent was evident, and whispers of a future star echoed through the corridors. However, it was during a loan spell at Burnley in 2022 that he truly ascended. His breakout season was nothing short of spectacular, garnering attention from scouts and managers across Europe.
The then 23-year-old ended the 2022/23 season as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions and won the Championship as Burnley secured promotion to the English top-flight.
In August 2023, Bayer Leverkusen orchestrated a £20m coup to secure Tella’s services. The Bundesliga awaited, and Tella embraced the challenge with fervor. His transition from the Championship to Germany’s elite league was not without its challenges as he had to bid his time.
The right-sided midfielder said he had learned to be patient from what has been a hugely successful first season in Germany.
“Patience, patience is everything. I was very frustrated with myself in the first half of the season from August to December. It’s because I didn’t play as much football as I would’ve liked.
“But since the turn of the year, I feel like I’ve been involved in nearly every game. Whether it’s starting or coming on (from the bench) I feel like I made an impact,” Tella added.
During that turn of the year, his compatriot Victor Boniface was injured and Tella needed to step up and he did grabbing the new role in the starting XI with both feet.
In Leverkusen’s first game in 2024, an away clash against back-to-back German Cup winners RB Leipzig on January 20, Xabi Alonso’s side went one goal down through Xavi Simons in the first seven minutes.
However, substitute Tella made an instant impact off the bench, scoring the equaliser off an Alex Grimaldo cross two minutes into the second half as the game eventually ended 3-2 in favour of the league leaders.
The game against Darmstadt on February 3 is perhaps Tella’s best so far as he got his first Bundesliga start and singlehandedly won Leverkusen all three points as he bagged a brace in the fixture.
Tella has scored six goals and provided three assists for Die Werkself this season.
In a historic season that saw Bayer Leverkusen defy odds and shatter records, Tella played an indispensable role in their triumph. From pivotal assists against Bayern Munich to resolute displays throughout the campaign, Tella’s impact reverberated across the Bundesliga landscape.
As Leverkusen clinched their maiden Bundesliga title after 120 years, Tella stood as a beacon of resilience and determination.
For the 24-year-old winger, the Bundesliga title represents more than mere silverware, it symbolizes the culmination of a lifelong dream and the collective efforts of a dedicated team.
“Every teammate played a vital role. Everyone has been so important this season. It’s an important moment for the history of the club,” he told ESPN.
“Feeling happy and tired, but ultimately really happy for all fans, players, staff and everyone involved in the club. I think it is probably one of, if not the best day in the history of the club. I’m happy we can all be a part of it. Champions have a nice right to it.”
As he continues to carve his path at Bayer Leverkusen, one thing remains certain, Tella’s journey is far from over. Tella could still help Leverkusen to a treble, with the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Europa League both still up for grabs as well.
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