
"Of course, it's a great story. Emre came through the ranks at Kurtekotten. A striker with an excellent goalscoring instinct," explained Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He was very prolific in the youth Bundesliga and has already shown his potential with the first team. Now he has the opportunity to carry on developing at a high level. He has the ability and the ambition to achieve that."
Emrehan Gedikli is currently in the Germany U18 squad and has played 43 games and scored 43 goals in the U19 and U17 youth leagues. He made his first-team debut in the Europa League. In the home game against Hapoel Beer Sheva in the group stages, he came on late as a substitute for Karim Bellarabi. He was a substitute away at Nice and he played 45 minutes in the home game against Slavia Prague.
"That's obviously given me a taste for more," said Gedikli, who started a course to become a sports and fitness executive in the summer of 2019 at Bayer 04. "I've got a lot to thank Bayer 04 for. I'd like to pay that back with good performances. I'm passionate about the club and I want to make the grade in professional football."

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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