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13.05.2020Women

Kerschowski stays – Wirtz and Sahlmann extend contracts

Sahlmann_Kerschowski_Wirtz.jpg

Isabel Kerschowski, who played for Bayer 04 from 2012 to 2014 and returned to Leverkusen in 2018 after four years at VfL Wolfsburg, has agreed a year’s extension at Bayer 04. The 32-year-old fought her way back from a torn cruciate injury at the start of last season and was able to make her comeback after a long injury lay-off at the end of the first half of this campaign.

“I really feel at home here and my body’s telling me I’m fit again after my lengthy injury. I want to help the team out with my experience for another year so we can establish ourselves in the Bundesliga. I’m really happy with the vote of confidence from the management and being able to play at Bayer 04 for another season,” said Kerschowski.

Achim Feifel values the “great experience, dynamism and winning mentality,” that the Potsdam-born player brings to the team. “That’s why Isy is important for the development of our team. She is very versatile in the wing positions. She has battled her way back from her serious injury through great willpower and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with her.”

Henrike Sahlmann and Juliane Wirtz have both been awarded two-year contracts. Sahlmann, signed from league rivals SGS Essen in the summer of 2017, has made 17 appearances this season. Feifel on the 23-year-old defender: “We’re very happy with Henrike’s decision to extend her contract. She’s a very reliable, ambitious and eager-to-learn player who very much identifies with Bayer 04 and our team.”

Juliane Wirtz joined the Bayer 04 Women’s team as a talented 16-year-old from FC Köln in 2018/19 and is now an established first-team regular. The Germany U19 international has played 27 games in the FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga and five DFB Cup ties for Bayer 04. “Juliane has developed into a very important player in our team. We’re fully convinced of her potential. She is a footballer through and through and we’re looking forward to another two years,” said Feifel about the 18-year-old defender.

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