
"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."

Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Bayer 04 Women finish 2025 with the first game of the second half of the Google Pixel Bundesliga season as they host defending champions and league leaders Bayern Munich at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on Monday. Kick-off is at 18:00 CET. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 14 encounter.
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The Werkself may have the festive season off, but four players will still be in action as they compete at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Eliesse Ben Seghir will open the 35th edition of the tournament with hosts Morocco on Sunday, 21 December. Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) and Christian Kofane (Cameroon) are also going for continental glory.
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The media wanted to know if Malik Tillman had thought back in September and the team’s indifferent start to the season that they would go into the winter break in third place with 29 points from 15 games. His answer was short and clear: “Honestly, yes, because I simply believe in this team.” That team had just won 3-1 at RB Leipzig, who hadn’t dropped a single point at home previously this season. Here’s all the round-up from the game in our Werkself Review.
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