Ernest Poku says he remains open to representing Ghana in the future but insists any decision regarding his international career will only be made after consulting his family and management team.
The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen winger, born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, has already featured for the Dutch U16, U19 and U21 teams. However, he revealed that his international future is still undecided, especially as he has not received any official approach from Ghana.
Speaking to Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba after Leverkusen’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday night, Poku made it clear he is in no rush to commit.
“We have to see, I don’t know yet. I didn’t get a call or something, so I don’t know,” he said when asked about the possibility of playing for the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup.
“I don’t know, we’ll see then, because obviously I have to talk with my parents about it, with my agent about it. So, I don’t know.”
The winger also expressed affection for his Ghanaian roots, highlighting his cultural connection and familiarity with the local language.
“Yes, of course, I love the food, I love the music. My parents are also from Ghana, so I can speak Ghanaian [Ghanaian language],” Poku added.
He went on to mention Burna Boy, Davido and Ghana’s Shatta Wale as his favourite African musicians.
Poku first rose to prominence at AZ Alkmaar, scoring 15 goals for their youth side before breaking into the first team. On August 12, 2025, he completed a €10 million move to Bayer Leverkusen—with an additional €2 million in potential add-ons—signing a contract that runs until June 2030.
His debut Bundesliga season has been impressive so far, producing 11 goal contributions—five goals and six assists—in 25 appearances.
