Energie Cottbus signs Germany U19 international Luca Erlein on loan from Bayer Leverkusen

Energie Cottbus has made a significant statement on the transfer market. The second-division promoted side has secured Luca Erlein (19), a German U19 international, on loan. Just days earlier, the young professional had moved from TSG Hoffenheim to Bayer Leverkusen for €2 million. In an interview with BILD, the DFB prospect explains the unusual double transfer.

A Memorable First Impression

"I played here last year, I experienced the atmosphere, the fans on site. The atmosphere for the 60th anniversary was top, it was a lot of fun playing here," Erlein said with a smile.

Luca Erlein (right) at the U19 European Championship with the German youth team. Photo: Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images

The defensive talent first experienced the Cottbus atmosphere on January 31st, when he played with Hoffenheim's third-division reserve team during the former Bundesliga club's birthday celebrations. The mega choreography — featuring two XXL block flags spanning two stands and all spectators wearing red and white rain ponchos — caused a nationwide stir. At the time, BILD noted: "The Hoffenheim kids must have wondered what world they had landed in."

"Felt Connected Immediately"

The experience clearly left a lasting impression on Erlein.

"Cottbus is a club with a lot of energy, yet family-like, you can feel that. I then had very good conversations with the coach and the board. I felt connected immediately," he said.

Reflecting on his decision to move from Hoffenheim to Bayer Leverkusen, Erlein explained: "After last season, I sat down with my family and my advisor and asked what we wanted to do. Leverkusen gave me a very good plan for the future. I fully agreed with it and really wanted to do it."

The whole stadium red and white: Cottbus created goosebump atmosphere at its club birthday. Photo: IMAGO/Steffen Beyer

European Championship Experience

The right-back — who can also play centrally and on the left side — recently became vice-European champion with the German U19 team, losing 2-0 to Spain in the final.

"It's always something special to play for Germany. I really enjoyed the time. Second place wasn't our goal, but we can still be satisfied with the performance," he said.

For Erlein, the summer experience may prove to be the ideal preparation for stepping up from the third division to the second.

Learning to Handle Pressure

"There you have pressure in every game, you always have to win to advance in the tournament. Especially in a semi-final or final, you can take a lot away from that. The more often you experience such situations, the better you can handle them. I feel that now too," he admitted.

Now Erlein can prepare calmly for bigger challenges in Cottbus — a city that transforms into a true football town on match days. With Energie, he immediately steps onto the big stage of the Bundesliga's second tier.

Family Support

Brandenburg has proven to be a good fit, and Erlein's parents seem to agree.

"Sure, I'll check everything out for myself first. But my parents' opinion was one of the most important things for me. I'd rather listen twice than once too little. And I think they are very satisfied now too," he said.

From now on, the focus is on fighting for survival in the cauldron of Cottbus — a challenge that would mean something big for Erlein, for Energie, and for the atmosphere in the stadium.