Sporting managing director Rudi Völler, who leaves his current post on 1 July to join the Bayer 04 Leverkusen shareholders committee, was very happy with the "result of many constructive meetings in the past few weeks. We were able to show one of the best German players in the coming decade important and convincing perspectives: above all, of course, a great squad who can help Florian display his strengths," said the 62-year-old. "Florian knows we will be competitive at Leverkusen in the coming years on the national and European stages. And he will be an important part of that. I'm looking forward to watching this lad play football in a Werkself shirt for a long time."
Sporting director Simon Rolfes, who will take over Völler’s role and duties in a few days, said about the new agreement with Wirtz: "In trusting and very good discussions with Florian and his family we were able to continue with commitment to the path we took in January 2020. The fact we have extended the contract again here and now underlines the absolute satisfaction on both sides. The partnership between Bayer 04 and Florian Wirtz is already an exceptional success story," declared Rolfes. "In that respect, we want to write another chapter. Florian is a special player. He has great sporting significance for our club and equally we can provide him with the best opportunities for a fantastic sporting career. We know we can still achieve a lot here together."
The 19-year-old Wirtz has played a key role in the Bayer 04 team for a long time. "The development over the last two years is almost breathtaking from my point of view and it was definitely not to be predicted in that form. It's clear to me that I also have to thank the team that makes it all incredible fun," explained Wirtz. "The lads are a decisive factor in me feeling at home here and everything has gone so well. We have a lot to give in ourselves and at this club. We want to show that to all Bayer 04 fans. And to those who aren't yet."
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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