"Timothy Fosu-Mensah is a technically gifted, fast and physically strong defender who can play both as a right back as well as in the centre," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "With this signing, we have not only gained another top alternative in defence given the absence of Santiago Arias and Mitchell Weiser. Tim is still young and has potential. He will help us over the long term."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler sees the Dutchman, who came through the youth ranks at Ajax, as "a valuable addition to our squad. We face major challenges on the pitch in the coming weeks. We need players who can handle it and consistently produce top performances," said Völler. "Timothy Fosu-Mensah meets our requirements. He has gained lots of experience in the Premier League since 2017 and has the footballing quality to help us achieve our targets."
For Fosu-Mensah, who has made three full international appearances for his home country, the move to Leverkusen represents a "step into a totally interesting and very strong league with Bayer 04 being one of the best teams for years. I'm really looking forward to joining the team and working with Peter Bosz,” he declared. "I've talked to the coach a lot in the past few days and the conversations with Simon Rolfes and Rudy Völler convinced me there are great prospects at Leverkusen. Both for me personally as well as for the team. It will be really exciting," said Fosu-Mensah who will wear the number 24 shirt at Bayer 04.
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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