Melvin Ukpeigbe: Bayer Leverkusen sign Nigeria-prospect from Real Madrid

The 16-year-old has joined the German elite division side on a one-year deal from the Santiago Bernebeu giants

 

Bayer Leverkusen have signed Nigeria prospect Melvin Ukpeigbe on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.

Under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, the 16-year-old full-back would be hoping to develop.

Although Ukpeigbe will represent the Germans for just the 2023-24 campaign, that deal could be made permanent should he impress.

“Melvin Ukpeigbe is an extraordinarily exciting player who promises a lot for the future. We are happy to be able to accompany and support Melvin in his development,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes to the club website.

He is the second Spaniard to join Bayer Leverkusen in the last two seasons, with Iker Bravo joining Die Werkself on a free transfer from Barcelona in July 2021.

At BayArena, the teenager will link up with compatriot Victor Boniface – who has been on song since his €20m move from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Ukpeigbe joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2017 from Rayo Vallecano. He represented Spain at the Under 16 level where he earned four caps.

Nevertheless, he is eligible to represent the Nigeria national team at senior level

Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen will be next seen in action in the Bundesliga on August 26 when they face Borussia Monchengladbach, but it is unlikely if the teenager would throw into the fray.

Bayer have had one of the best transfer windows of any Bundesliga team. Despite losing Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa, Alex Grimaldo joined on a free transfer before they announced the signings of Jonas Hofmann and Granit Xhaka, two experienced players.