"I'm very optimistic that we will have a successful season," said the chairman of the board Fernando Carro at lunchtime on a stage decorated with black and red balloons and he continued: "We want to get back in the top four in the league and go as far as we can in the Europa League and the DFB Cup. Of course, we need the support of our fans again."
And that was definitely in evidence on this Sunday in beautiful summer weather: 12,500 Black and Reds found their way to the Neuland Park over the course of the day. Many of them were among the first to find out about Leon Bailey's contract extension. Sporting director Jonas Boldt was the bearer of this positive news – and that was greeted by great applause. "We said we wanted to keep the team together. But not just keep it together as we have very ambitious targets at the end of the day and all the lads who've stayed with us identify with that," said the 36-year-old. And Rudi Völler, who was unable to attend due to a TV commitment, sent a video message for the fans.
Whether it was the presentation of the new home kit, the professionally compered FIFA exhibition match on stage between Bayer 04 e-sportsman Marvin 'M4RV' Hinz and a fan prize winner, a preview of the musical '1904', the presentation of the first team squad or one of many interesting talks – there was no shortage of attractions at this family fest. Numerous partners and sponsors plus Bayer 04 sections were on hand to invite fans to try things out, get involved and join in competitions. The commitment shown on the day to provide members and fans with memorable experiences was impressive and brilliantly received: In spite of the very warm weather, young and old gathered in their numbers for six hours at the many marquees and stands.
The autograph session proved to be particularly popular with all the Werkself players and coaching staff, with the exception of Julian Baumgartlinger (torn knee ligament) and Dominik Kohr (suffering with a cold), taking part for two hours to fulfill the wishes of the fans.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will to have manage without forward Eliesse Ben Seghir. The Morocco international suffered a ligament injury in his left ankle before the AFCON final defeat against Senegal (0-1 a.e.t.).
Show more
The VBL Club Championship 2025/26 continues. Tonight, 27 January (live on Twitch and on the Bayer 04 app from 18:00 CET), the Leverkusen eSports team will play the remaining three matches in the online preliminary round of Showdown Four. They are up against FC Kaiserslautern, SC Freiburg and the current club champions and Showdown Three winners RB Leipzig, with whom Bayer 04, club runners-up and Showdown One winners, shared some memorable moments, especially last year. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Welcome to Leverkusen, Jonas Omlin. Bayer 04 have signed the 32-year-old goalkeeper on loan from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach until the end of the season. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes described the Swiss shot stopper, signed by the Werkself in reaction to the long-term absence of first choice keeper Mark Flekken, as an "internationally experienced keeper." Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the new signing, who will wear the number 18 jersey.
Show more
Under the motto ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’, Bayer 04 are turning this season's UEFA Champions League season into a festival. In addition to a Spotify playlist that fans can use to get in the mood for the Champions League nights, there is also a tour pass with stickers for the respective UCL matches exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members. These could be picked up in the respective weeks of the matches. The sticker for the final clash in the league phase (Villarreal, 28 January, 21:00 CET) is now available at the Fanwelt. The competition for all diligent sticker collectors is also now open. Read on for further information.
Show more
