
"We've got a young team with lots of promise and we want to keep them together. The fact we convinced Jonathan to stick with us says a lot for everybody involved," said CEO Michael Schade.
Jonathan Tah joined Bayer 04 in 2015 from Hamburg SV. The 1.94 metre central defender has made 112 appearances for the Werkself in domestic and European competitions and made his full international debut for Germany. Sporting director Rudi Völler: "Jonathan has progressed fantastically at Leverkusen, exceeded our expectations and is now one of the top German defenders. A number of top clubs have shown an interest in him. It's a big success for Bayer 04 that he's decided to extend his stay at the club. Jonathan knows what he's got at Leverkusen and he'd like to take the next steps in his career here."
Head coach Heiko Herrlich is looking forward to continuing to work with the number four: "Jona has outstanding assets. He's quick, technically strong, has great physical strength, is calm and has vision. But he still feels he has room for improvement. He will bring us a lot of pleasure and have fun."
The player takes a similar view: I've always said I really feel at home in Leverkusen. The club and the rest are perfect for me. I became a full international at Bayer 04 and I can develop at the highest level here. We can achieve a lot with this young team. And I want to play my part," said Jonathan Tah.

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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