From Kurtekotten via the BayArena to the national side: "It's great for me that the club I've been at since I was 13 years old has given me all these opportunities," said Henrichs who started playing for the Werkself in the U8 team. "I'm very happy I've made it as a professional and an international at Bayer 04. At Leverkusen I’ve always been shown so much confidence, encouraged and developed. Now, after a difficult season, I want to help the club to get back to the level that Bayer 04 stands for."
In that respect, sporting director Rudi Völler sees the contract extension as a special sign. "Benny has developed an outstanding quality over the last year and a half and that has made him attractive to big clubs in Europe," declared Völler. "That made it even more important for us to keep in here for the long term. Benny is not just a top player but also a role model at Leverkusen. He's played for Bayer since he was a kid and he will be one of the players to help form a promising and effective team again.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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