…the player Santiago Arias: I will do my best here every day. I've already been able to gain a lot of experience in my career so far. I want to bring that to the team and make my contribution to achieving the club's targets.
…the South American teammates at the Werkself: Of course, they are a help to me; being with them is like being in a small South American family. But I quickly found my feet in the Netherlands in my time at PSV Eindhoven (2013 to 2018, ed.). I don't think I'll need a lot of time to settle in.
…the approach of his former club Atlético Madrid in comparison Bayer 04: The biggest difference is definitely the amount of possession. The main thing under Diego Simeone in Madrid was keeping a clean sheet. Here we want to be attacking and get on the front foot – I like that.
…a possible appearance at the weekend in the clash with VfB Stuttgart: I feel I'm an established part of the squad now. I'm fit and I'm just waiting for the coach's decision.
Bayer 04 are back on the pitch. Following the first training sessions, the Werkself play the first pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 18. The match against Oberliga club Sportfreunde Baumberg kicks off at 15:30 CEST in Monheim am Rhein. Fans unable to attend the match can watch head coach Carles Martínez’s first game in charge for free via a livestream at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app, as well as on Werkself.tv (exclusively for members). Just log on and watch the games live. All the other Werkself preseason friendlies leading up to the 2026/27 season will also be streamed live for free.
Show more
Bayer 04 is redesigning the public catering at the BayArena and Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion for the start of the 2026/27 season. Together with new catering partner Aramark, processes will be developed and the service at the stadium will be improved in a targeted way.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
