"The signing of Paulinho is a huge success for us," declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. And the signature of the sought-after Brazilian rising star on Bayer 04 headed paper represents a real coup. "Jonas Boldt has shown great negotiating ability in convincing the player and I'm happy we have been able to continue our special Brazilian tradition that shows Bayer 04's presence in South America," said sporting director Rudi Völler.
Paulinho is considered to be one of the biggest talents in the country of the five-time World Cup winners and he made his debut in the top flight at the age of 16 and his spectacular appearances since then of cause a sensation. Effective on either wing but also as a number 10 or a central striker, the lightning fast and physically strong striker demonstrated his class before he broke his arm the start of April in a league game against Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte.
"We reckon Paulinho should have recovered by the middle of July and be fully fit when he joins us," said Bayer 04 manager Boldt. "The lad has quickly shown us what he can do with his technical ability, his dynamism, assertiveness and his goal threat. He is very advanced in spite of his young age. We are convinced we can integrate him quickly and we're looking forward to seeing another great player in a Bayer 04 shirt."
For Paulinho himself, the decision to join Leverkusen is based on the success story that Bayer 04 have with Brazilian pros. "Emerson, Lucio, Jorginho, Zé Roberto and Juan were fantastic players whose global career started at Bayer 04," said the U20 international in explaining his reasons for moving on. "The club has a great reputation back home and everybody knows them as a club in Europe where a lot of Brazilians have been happy. Renato Augusto cried when he left Leverkusen and with Wendell I know how much they support young foreign pros. I think it's important to fully consider a move abroad, that's why I've chosen a club that works seriously and yet still pursues great ambitions. I want to get to know the whole of Europe with Bayer 04," declared Paulinho, "I want to play in the Champions League and continue to improve myself. During our discussions I was presented to the club, the team and individual players. A great young team. I'm sure I'll feel at home here and be successful."
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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