Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has been handed a major boost ahead of the new season after Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez assured him of an important role in his plans, Soccernet.ng reports.
Tella endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign at the BayArena, with injuries severely limiting his impact and preventing him from building momentum.
The former Southampton attacker struggled for consistency and found himself on the fringes for long periods as Bayer Leverkusen endured a transitional campaign. However, there are now positive signs for the Nigerian international.
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Super Eagles: Nathan Tella handed Bayer Leverkusen lifeline
According to German outlet BILD, Martínez personally contacted Tella before pre-season preparations began and delivered an encouraging message to the 27-year-old.
The Spaniard reportedly told the Super Eagles star: “I want to get the best out of you.”
The conversation appears to have had an immediate impact on Tella, who has openly spoken about his determination to put last season's frustrations behind him.
“The coach is very vocal and provides a lot of communication. That's what we need as a team,” Tella said in quotes revealed by Fussballeuropa.
“We have new players and also younger players. It is good that the coach gives us the clear idea of what he expects from us as a team and what he expects from us on the pitch.”
The Nigerian also revealed that Martínez reached out to him while he was on holiday in Ibiza, with both men discussing the difficult season he had just endured.
Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in 2023 for €23.3 million and initially enjoyed a bright start in Germany, playing a key role during Xabi Alonso's historic unbeaten domestic double campaign.
However, injuries disrupted his progress last term, raising questions about his long-term future at the club.
Now, with Leverkusen entering a new era under Martínez following significant squad changes, Tella appears to have been offered a fresh opportunity to revive his career in Germany.
The winger has already outlined his objectives for the upcoming season.
“My main goal for this season is that I don't go right back for five weeks after a good game,” Tella admitted.
“I want to turn my frustration and anger into positive energy.”
The development could also come as welcome news for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
With Nigeria preparing for crucial AFCON 2027 qualifiers and the next phase of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, regular football at club level will be vital for Tella's hopes of becoming a more prominent figure within the national team setup.
Should Martínez succeed in getting the best out of the former Burnley loanee, the upcoming campaign could finally provide Tella with the platform to rediscover the form that once made him one of Bayer Leverkusen's best attackers.
