Bayer 04 have responded to the departure of striker Ivana Rudelic: "We wanted to do something in this position after Rudelic moved on to FC Bayern. We've succeeded by bringing in Mina Tanaka on loan," said Thomas Eichin, director of the Kurtekotten Performance Centre. And Linda Schöttler, general manager of Women's football at Bayer 04, is also happy with the transfer: "Being able to sign a six-time striker of the year from Japan is definitely something special. She is the first Japanese at our club. I'm happy that Mina Tanaka will gain her first experience abroad here with us."
The 26-year-old striker has already gained honours in Japan. In the Nadeshiko League, the top women's league in Japan, she was the top scorer in the years 2016 to 2019, was the striker of the year six times in succession, won the national Empress's Cup four times and also received the award as the best player in the league in 2018 and 2019. Tanaka has also established herself in the Japan team (39 caps, 16 goals) and she was in the side that won the Women’s AFC Asian Cup in 2018.
"I'm very happy and it fills me with pride to be able to play in Germany and for Bayer 04. I'm really glad to be able to take on this challenge. I've been able to follow the great development of the team in recent months and I can very much identify with the club. I will do all I can to help the team and the club achieve their targets," said the new signing looking forward to the coming months.
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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