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.
The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
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“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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Bayer 04 produced a dominant and impressive 4-0 win over Union Berlin as they picked up three points in their first home game of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. Exequiel Fernández opened the scoring after only 41 seconds, with Facundo Medina doubling the lead before the half-hour mark. Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza continued the procession in the second period, in which Moussa Diaby came on for his first Leverkusen appearance for over three years.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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