"Mitchel Bakker is a technically gifted and dynamic player on the wing whose profile fits in perfectly with Bayer 04," explained sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He is still young and capable of developing but he has already gained experience at the highest level at a top European club. Mitchel was an important player for PSG, particularly under coach Thomas Tuchel, and he will increase the quality of our squad. We are certain he is on the verge of a successful future."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler emphasised the versatility of the 21-year-old Dutchman who joined the top French club from the Ajax academy two years ago. "Mitchel Bakker combines athletic qualities such as pace and strength in challenges with footballing ability. He is a modern full-back with a strong desire to get forwards and he will help our team," said Völler.
For Bakker, who made 40 appearances for PSG last season in Lique 1, the French cup and the Champions League, the move to Leverkusen means an "opportunity to take the next step at an attractive club. The overall package from Leverkusen convinced me. The sporting management did a lot to get me and the conversations were very productive. The club is ambitious and so am I. That goes together."
Bayer 04 visit Italian club AS Roma in the first leg of the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League semi-finals. The match takes place on Thursday 2 May (kick-off 21:00 CEST) at the Stadio Olimpico. Information on ticket sales.
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Show moreBayer 04 fought to the end to maintain their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga matchday 30. Niclas Füllkrug broke the deadlock in a largely uneventful encounter putting BVB 1-0 up on 82 minutes. But the Werkself again demonstrated their ability to fight back and avoided a first defeat of the season with a goal from Josip Stanisic in added time (90+8'). That means the team under head coach Xabi Alonso are now undefeated in 45 games across all competitions.
Show moreFollowing the 1-1 draw at West Ham United, which saw the Werkself qualify for the Europa League semi-finals, the Black and Reds face the second away game this week on Bundesliga matchday 30. Today, Sunday 21 April, Bayer 04 are away to Borussia Dortmund (kick-off: 17.30 CEST/live on DAZN and Werkself Radio). Today's matchday news brings you up-to-date ahead of the game at Signal Iduna Park with the Nordkurve12 fan group again organising another Finally Red campaign.
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