Bayer 04 fans, who want to get a first impression of the new squad, can drop by at the BayArena. The first session at 10.00 CET on Tuesday morning will see at least nine first team players on the training ground. The only truly new player will be Kevin Volland signed from Hoffenheim with great expectations on the part of Bayer 04. Levin Öztunali and Danny da Costa return after loan periods at Werder Bremen and Ingolstadt respectively looking to establish themselves in the Werkself squad and goalkeeper Niklas Lomb is another returnee.
Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah will be the last two to join the Bayer 04 pre-season after earning a well deserved summer break following Germany’s exit from Euro 2016 in the semi-final defeat against France. They belong to a group of nine players who return late due to commitments at the Euros or the Copa America: Chicharito, Charles Aránguiz, Hakan Calhanoglu, Admir Mehmedi, Julian Baumgartlinger, Ramazan Özcan and Tin Jedvaj. Benjamin Henrichs and Lukas Boeder are away with the Germany Under 19 side competing at the European Championships on home soil.
Another major event is also on the horizon. Germany coach Horst Hrubesch is set to announce his squad for the Olympic Games in Rio next week. The football tournament in Brazil from 4 to 20 August with Germany in Group C alongside Mexico, South Korea and Fiji. Bayer 04 candidates for inclusion in the Germany squad are Julian Brandt, Levin Öztunali and possibly Lars Bender – the Werkself captain in one of three players over the age of 23. Left back Wendell misses out on a slot in the Brazil team due to ongoing rehab following his ankle ligament injury.
First friendly on Friday
Following the performance tests on Monday head coach Roger Schmidt will lead training sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10.00 and 16.00 each day. There will be a morning training session on Friday ahead of the first friendly against SC Verl (19.00 CET) as part of the short training camp in Marienfeld from 15 to 17 July.
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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