The 22-year-old contributed six goals and nine assists in 48 competitive appearances during his debut season at Bayer, though he was mostly used as a substitute - a role that is unlikely to satisfy him in the long run.
Two Premier League clubs now see their chance to prise the Dutchman away, with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest both said to have registered their interest with Leverkusen, according to Bild. Both clubs have already made their interest known to the Bundesliga side.
Leverkusen's hierarchy have shown themselves open to negotiations, but are demanding a clear transfer profit. Reports suggest any potential buyer would need to table around €25million to sign Poku, a figure that would represent a significant mark-up on the fee they paid to sign him from the Eredivisie club just twelve months ago.
Poku's rapid development in the Netherlands, including a strong run at the 2025 European Under-21 Championship, played a part in persuading Leverkusen to move for him in the first place, but regular changes in the club's coaching staff since his arrival have made it difficult for him to establish a settled role.
A move to the Premier League would offer him the chance to build a platform for regular first-team football, something that has proven elusive during his time in Germany so far.
The winger enjoyed a particularly productive spell in the autumn, scoring four goals and adding two assists across six Bundesliga appearances, including a brace in a 6-0 win over Heidenheim, but his form dipped noticeably as the season progressed and his game time became increasingly sporadic. With Leverkusen having gone through multiple changes in the dugout since his arrival, the club's staff believe there are other options available to cover his position, making his departure easier to sanction than it might otherwise have been.
For Sunderland and Forest, signing a player of Poku's pace and directness would add a genuine attacking outlet capable of playing in a more central role than the wide berths he was often restricted to in Germany, a change that could suit both his profile and his long-term development.