In a significant move for both player and club, 1. FC Nürnberg has secured the services of Bayer 04 Leverkusen's promising striker Artem Stepanov on a one-year loan deal for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. The announcement, made on April 30, 2025, marks a strategic addition as Nürnberg looks to replace their star striker, Stefanos Tzimas, who is set to join Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Stepanov, a 17-year-old Ukrainian talent, has already made a name for himself in the youth ranks, scoring an impressive 21 goals in just 24 appearances for Bayer's U19 team. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has also made two brief appearances for the Leverkusen first team in the Champions League against RB Salzburg and Sparta Prague.
“With Artem, we have managed to convince an extremely talented and sought-after player to join our path,” said Nürnberg's sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou. “We are very happy that he chose FCN and wants to develop further with us. He is characterized by his technique, heading strength, and powerful finishing.”
The young striker, standing at 1.92 meters tall, has showcased his abilities not only in the domestic league but also on the European stage. In the U19 junior league of the German Football Association, Stepanov maintained a remarkable scoring record, netting ten goals in ten games. His experience in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored once in four matches, further solidifies his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in German football.
Stepanov's transition to Nürnberg is particularly noteworthy as the club has a successful history with loan players. The recent example of Stefanos Tzimas, who was brought in on loan from PAOK Saloniki, highlights this trend. Tzimas was later signed for a record fee of €18 million and subsequently sold to Brighton for €25 million, yielding a net profit of €7 million for Nürnberg. This successful track record has set high expectations for Stepanov as he steps into the shoes of the departing Tzimas.
“We hope to see further development from Artem, which will provide Nürnberg with additional offensive options—a promising setup for all involved,” commented Leverkusen's managing director Simon Rolfes. He emphasized the importance of this loan for Stepanov’s growth as a player.
Stepanov joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2022 from the youth team of Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. His contract with Leverkusen was recently extended in January 2025, reflecting the club's commitment to his development. However, the current loan deal does not include an option to buy, meaning Stepanov will return to Leverkusen at the end of the loan period.
As he prepares for this new chapter, Stepanov expressed his enthusiasm about joining Nürnberg. “The club made an early effort to sign me and presented a clear plan for my next steps in professional football, which convinced me,” he stated. “From summer onwards, I want to prove myself in training and games at FCN, advance my development as much as possible, and be successful with the team.”
With the leadership of head coach Miroslav Klose, a striker legend himself, Stepanov will look to refine his skills and make a significant impact in the 2. Bundesliga. Klose's experience and insight will be invaluable as Stepanov aims to transition from a promising youth player to a key contributor in professional football.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Stepanov to see if he can replicate the success of his predecessor Tzimas and help propel Nürnberg up the league standings. The club's supporters are hopeful that this new signing will bring fresh energy and talent to their squad, enhancing their chances in the upcoming season.
This loan agreement not only reflects Nürnberg's strategic planning in player development but also highlights the ongoing trend of clubs investing in young talent to secure future success. As the football world continues to evolve, the integration of emerging players like Artem Stepanov will be crucial for teams aiming to remain competitive.
As the 2025/2026 season looms, the excitement surrounding Stepanov's arrival at Nürnberg is palpable. Fans are eager to see how the young striker will adapt to the challenges of professional football and whether he can live up to the high expectations set for him. With a solid foundation and the right guidance, Stepanov has the potential to become a star in the making.
