"Patrik Schick has had a fantastic season and shown his world-class ability in his position. There are few centre-forwards of his calibre on the European stage," said sporting director Simon Rolfes on the long-term extension to the current successful partnership. "In addition to Patrik's exceptional sporting qualities as a complete striker he also has the abilities of a leader to provide stability and guidance to a team on the pitch. The contract extension with a player of his quality underlines the ambition we all have under the Bayer Cross."
Rudi Völler was very committed to the signing of the 6 foot 3 striker two years ago when he was at Völler’s former club AS Roma after a loan deal at RB Leipzig. And the current contract extension with the top goalscorer in last year's European Championships has seen the departing sporting managing director provide full support for Rolfes. "Agreeing a new deal with a player like that is an expression of our ambition and a clear sign that Bayer 04 Leverkusen want to remain at the top level after my departure. That's exactly what I promised at the stadium on the final Bundesliga matchday," said Völler who hands over to Rolfes on 1 July. "For me, Patrik Schick is one of the best centre-forwards in the world at the moment. He knows he has great teammates here who set him up from all angles and enable him to express his strengths," said Völler. “I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Werkself shirt in the coming years."
The Prague-born striker Schick, who has scored 17 goals for the Czech Republic in 33 internationals, has settled down in Leverkusen over the past two years. "I feel really good here," said the 26-year-old, "our team is a promise for the future above all. It's huge fun being with these lads and we are really determined to achieve something. Qualification for the Champions League is a good next step. There are lots of possibilities here so that's why I've extended my deal at Bayer 04."
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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