Back
1.12.2022Bayer 04

Paulinho returns to Brazil to join Atlético Mineiro

Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Olympic Games winner Paulinho part company with immediate effect. The 22-year-old forward joins top-flight Brazil club Atlético Mineiro on loan to the end of his contract in the summer of 2023. Paulinho returns home after four and a half years under the Bayer Cross. He signed for the Werkself from Vasco de Gama in 2018.
PaulinhoPM.jpg

“Both sides definitely imagined the partnership over the past few years would turn out differently,” said Simon Rolfes, The Bayer 04 sporting managing director at Bayer 04. “We have found a satisfactory solution for all involved with the transfer for the rest of the season.”

Paulinho only made 79 appearances for Leverkusen due to serious injuries including a torn cruciate. He scored nine goals and provided five assists.

 

Related News

FBL e.V.
Women - 18.09.2026

DFB Bundestag: Transition of Women’s Bundesliga into FBL e.V. officially approved

From the 2027/28 season, the Women’s Bundesliga will be organised by an independent league association. Following the unanimous decision taken at the DFB Bundestag (national conference) on Friday afternoon, the league’s separation from the DFB is now official.

Show more
Medina und Messi
Bayer 04 - 18.09.2026

International fixtures: Nations League, AFCON qualifiers and friendlies

Following the Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig (Sunday, 20 September, 15:30 CEST), some of the Werkself first team players will be heading off for the first international break of the season. Here is an overview of the Bayer 04 players called up for their national teams and all the details of their upcoming matches.

Show more
Freiwillige Feuerwehrleute beim Spiel gegen NK Celje
Bayer 04 - 17.09.2026

222 members from volunteer fire brigades watch the home win against Celje at the BayArena

A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.

Show more
Werkself feiert mit den Fans
Europa League - 17.09.2026

Werkself review: 'Dominant Werkself' with 'room for improvement'

The Werkself were feeling quite satisfied following their 2–0 home win in their opening match of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League, particularly with the result. At the same time, players and coaches agreed that, in terms of their performance, there was “still room for improvement”, as Robert Andrich put it. For his part, Moussa Diaby emphasised the importance of the victory with which the team had kicked off the campaign, and spoke personally about how good it felt to have started in front of the “wonderful” Bayer 04 fans this Tuesday evening for the first time since his return. The Werkself review of the Europa League opener.

Show more