
"In Kerem Demirbay we have gained a technically skilled and strategic midfielder who can also score goals," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Kerim was an absolute key player at Hoffenheim and he will be an important factor for us in meeting our targets next season," added Rolfes.
For Demirbay, who joined Hoffenheim in 2016 from Hamburg SV, the move is: "The next step after three really great years at TSG. Bayer 04 have always played attractive, attacking football," declared the 25-year-old. "That style suits me and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler underlined that Demirbay's signing is "a clear signal of our ambitions. We have big plans for next season but first we want to qualify for European competition," said Völler. "For, hopefully, three competitions we need top players like Kerem Demirbay.

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...
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It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).
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