"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."
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
Show more
After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Show more
Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
Show more
