Heiko Herrlich had 15 outfield players available for the last open training session of the week – That included four U 17 players Adrian Stanilewicz, Ismail Devici, Max Schneider and Herdi Bukusu. Kai Havertz and Panagiotis Retsos were also back in training – as they were on Monday – and Julian Baumgartlinger also completed parts of the session. After recovering from a torn cruciate in his knee, the Austrian was able to complete individual work and was also able to take part in a warm-up and in positional play with his team-mates on the pitch. "That was a small step in the right direction for him today," said the Bayer 04 head coach. The plan is for 'Baumi' to rejoin full training next week.
Continuing knee problems for Charles Aránguiz had held him back but now he is making progress in rehab. The Werkself number 20 did half an hour's work with the ball on a neighbouring pitch before continuing his fitness programme in the gym at the BayArena.
Ahead of the Hanover game, the Werkself have two more full training sessions – the two sessions tomorrow and on Friday are closed to the public.
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...
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It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).
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