Official: Leverkusen recall Stepanov from Nürnberg to agree FC Utrecht loan

The promising Ukrainian marksman will continue his development in the Eredivise after an unsuccessful loan spell at 1.FC Nürnberg.

Bayer Leverkusen have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at 1.FC Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to join FC Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the 2.Bundesliga club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie.

“Artem needs playing time. He’s a big talent, who still promises a lot,” said managing director sport Simon Rolfes.

The 18-year-old, who has a long-term contract with the Rhinelanders, had initially joined Nürnberg at the start of the season.

In the end, Stepanov made just 13 appearances for the Bavarian side totalling 678 minutes – of which 7 were as a substitute.

Despite ripping it up for Leverkusen at underage level, the marksman could only contribute one assist in his limited playing time at Nürnberg.