Leverkusen loans promising Mensah to Kerkrade for a year

Bayer Leverkusen has loaned 18‑year‑old offensive midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second‑division side Roda Kerkrade for one season, aiming to give the German talent regular professional minutes while he remains under contract until 2031.

The loan, confirmed on 12 August 2026, is designed to provide Mensah with valuable match practice in senior football. The German junior international will join Kerkrade for the 2026‑27 campaign, with the expectation that he returns better prepared for Bayer’s first‑team plans.

Club officials praise the move

"With this loan Jeremiah will gain crucial experience in men’s football. Kerkrade offers the best opportunities for him to prepare for the future and to prove himself as a perspective player for us," explained Bayer Leverkusen’s director of professional football Kim Falkenberg. Robbie Servais, technical director of Roda Kerkrade, added: "Jeremiah is a creative left‑footed player who shines best behind the striker. We are delighted that Bayer 04 Leverkusen has entrusted him to us for a year."

Last season the U19‑national player featured in 24 matches for Bayer’s U19 side, netting ten goals. He also made senior appearances in a 4‑0 DFB‑Pokal victory over Sonnenhof Großaspach and in a 2‑7 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain, gaining early exposure to top‑level competition.

Mensah becomes the sixth U21 professional loaned by Bayer Leverkusen, following Noah Mbamba (Lorient), Abdoulaye Faye (Celta Vigo), Francis Onyeka (Elversberg), Luca Erlein (Cottbus) and Issa Traoré (Trencin). The club continues its strategy of sending promising youngsters to competitive environments abroad.

Valued at €2 million, Mensah ranks among the most valuable German players born in 2008. His market value reflects both his performances at youth level and the potential seen by Bayer’s scouting department.