"We've had a lot of good discussions with Charles over recent weeks and his desire to stay absolutely coincides with what we want. Charles is a really important player for our team," declared sporting managing director Rudi Völler. "The fact we have again been able to agree a long-term contract underlines the full conviction of everybody involved and mutual confidence."
Sporting director Simon Rolfes sees Aránguiz as "a key and strategically very significant player. He’s a crucial component of our team and our whole squad," Rolfes said. "Charles can read a game, accelerate at the right moment, he radiates an incredible calm and gives his teammates support and security. Extending his contract for another three years is a good sign for a successful future on the pitch and also a signal to the rest of the team."
After nearly five years at Leverkusen, the retention of 31-year-old at Bayer 04 is "the continuation of a special relationship," Aránguiz said. "I've experienced a lot of things here, played in big games with great teammates. This club and really all members of staff always supported me and given me the feeling of being welcome here – especially at the beginning when I wasn't able to play for a long time due to my torn Achilles. I've had a wonderful time here and I'll give my all for us to achieve something great in the next three years. This season would be good if it hopefully gets going again soon."
With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
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With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
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Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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