"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."
Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.
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The draw for the knockout play-offs of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League was made on Friday, 30 January and saw Bayer 04 paired with Olympiacos. It’s a reunion with the Greek side following the Werkself’s 2-0 loss in Athens on Matchday 7 of the league phase.
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Kasper Hjulmand has led the Werkself back to winning ways and is back in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League with Bayer 04 after the 3-0 win against Villarreal on Wednesday evening. In an interview with the Werkself magazine at the BayArena in the team meeting room, directly opposite the dressing room, he provided some special insights for the current issue, which was published in January. A conversation with the 53-year-old coach about values, attitudes and personal experiences as well as interests outside of football.
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Following on from the emotional last-minute win at Union Berlin, the Bayer 04 Women now face a promoted team: On Saturday, 31 January (12:00 CET), coach Roberto Pätzold's team welcome FC Nürnberg to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for their first home game of the new year. In their second season in the Bundesliga, the Franconians have impressed with 16 points from the first 15 games.
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