
"Tim Steidten has consistently proved himself in an extremely demanding field over a long period of time," declared Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He has had a strong influence on the impressive development and success of Werder in recent years and he made a significant contribution. I've known Tim for a long time and we are happy we have been able to bring him into such an important role as squad planner," said Rolfes.
Steidten started his career as youth head scout with the Werder Bremen U8s before working on analysis for the Werder senior squad and then being promoted to the role as head scout. When the sporting director Rouven Schröder announced he was leaving to join Mainz 05 in February 2016, Steidten filled the post. Alongside managing director Frank Baumann, Steidten acted as his right hand man. Together they completed transfers such as Serge Gnabry from Arsenal and the Dutchman Davy Klaassen from Everton to Werder Bremen.

Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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