
Central defender Tapsoba has signed a contract to 30 June 2026 and the modified contract of winger Diaby now runs to the summer of 2025. "Both of them are not only extremely talented players with outstanding potential. Edmond and Moussa are already absolute key players in spite of their young age," declared Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler. "And they will get even better in the coming years and be an important element of our Bayer team in the future."



For Simon Rolfes, the two contract extensions mean " a confirmation of the development of the club. Both are spectacular players who have what it takes to play for the really big clubs in Europe," said the sporting director. "Their long-term commitment at Leverkusen once again proves we are a very attractive club for young players all over the world and that we are able to compete in this respect with the biggest clubs. I'm sure Edmond and Moussa will make even bigger names for themselves in the black and red kit."
Edmond Tapsoba's extension to a five-year contract agreed last year is based on the good experiences the Burkina Faso international has made in his first 12 months at Leverkusen: "My first year here has been fantastic. The team is young and hungry, the Bundesliga is demanding and has a great level. I think we can achieve a lot together."
Moussa Diaby has also extended his long-term contract by another year. "Because this team plays exactly the type of football that suits me and my abilities. With lots of possession and pace but it is also very technically adept. It's incredible fun with these lads," assured the Frenchman. "And with this fun comes success."

Bayer 04 have comfortably reached the DFB Pokal second round thanks to a 4–0 victory away to Liga 3 side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Patrik Schick put the Werkself ahead in the first 45 in the first competitive match under head coach Carles Martínez with debuts for new signings Miguel Gutiérrez, Afonso Moreira and Facundo Medina. After the break, Lucas Vázquez (47'), Nathan Tella (69') and Christian Kofane (79') also found the back of the net.
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Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.
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Carolin Simon is the new captain of the Bayer 04 women’s team. The full-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, will take over the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season. Simon returned to Leverkusen in the summer after ten years away. The 33-year-old succeeds goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired at the end of last season.
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With the 2026/27 season set to kick off with a DFB Pokal tie away to SV Wehen Wiesbaden (Saturday, 22 August, 13:00 CEST), the squad numbers for two Werkself players have now been confirmed. New signing Afonso Moreira will wear the number 9, which he has already worn in pre-season friendlies. Lucas Vázquez is switching from number 21 to number 17 – the number he wore successfully at Real Madrid for many years.
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Bayer 04 start the 2026/27 season away to third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Ahead of the DFB Pokal tie on Saturday 22 August (kick-off: 13:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez spoke at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The topics: anticipation, passion, the fans’ support – and the captaincy for the new season.
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