Werkself players agree wage cuts
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen first team squad have agreed a wage cut in their first meeting after two weeks training at home.
"We've discussed it over the past two weeks and agreed it unanimously today. The players are ready to forego part of their wages to support the club in their efforts to overcome the coronavirus crisis," said Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender.
"A gesture" for Rudi Völler, "that has not surprised us after discussions in recent weeks," declared the sporting managing director. "Of course, all of the coaching staff, the directors and management have adopted the same position."
"Want to make a contribution"
On the day of the first training session in groups of two, Bender added, “today, we again achieved full appreciation in the empty BayArena of how much the different members of staff bring this club to life and how important everybody really is to achieve the best possible conditions for our job. As players, we want to make a contribution so that no single member of staff has to worry and that everything here at Bayer 04 will carry on in a sensible and reliable manner. That is our concern and we're happy to do it."
Related News
Bayer 04 - 28.08.2026
Fanwelt event following UEL draw: Autograph session with Culbreath and Sergio
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.08.2026
Exequiel Palacios joins Ipswich Town
After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.08.2026
¡Gracias, Pala! – Farewell after six and a half years at Leverkusen
When Exequiel Palacios moved from the Argentinian club River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 January 2020, the then 21-year-old could not have imagined just how successful the next six and a half years would be for him. Pala, as he is known, had already won the Copa Libertadores – the most prestigious competition in South American club football – with River Plate. But there were still so many more trophies to come.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 27.08.2026
Exequiel Palacios' top goals
To mark Exequiel Palacios’s departure, we’ve put together a compilation of the midfielder’s finest and most important goals from his six-and-a-half years at the club.
Show more
